Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming Netflix film Gandhari has found itself in the middle of a copyright controversy just days before its scheduled release. Writer Kalyan Bandi has alleged that the film’s story and title are copied from a concept he registered back in 2019. The production house behind the film, Kathha Pictures, has strongly denied these claims, calling them false and baseless.
The film, written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Devashish Makhija, is set to premiere on Netflix on September 3. However, the plagiarism allegations have cast a shadow over its release.
What Is ‘Gandhari’ About?
Gandhari is a revenge drama that follows a mother’s journey to rescue her kidnapped daughter. Taapsee Pannu plays the lead role of Bani, a mother whose devotion is tested as she faces extreme challenges. The film is set in the fictional town of Joypurra and is described as an emotionally charged action thriller.
The film marks the sixth collaboration between Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon. Their previous projects together include Manmarziyaan (2018), Haseen Dillruba (2021), Rashmi Rocket (2021), Dunki (2023), and Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba (2024).
The supporting cast includes Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht, and Jatin Sarna. The film’s shoot wrapped up in March 2025.
Writer Kalyan Bandi’s Copyright Allegations
Kalyan Bandi, an IIT Madras alumnus who works as an Inspector with the Central GST and Customs department, claims he wrote and registered a story titled Gandhari in 2019. His story reportedly revolves around a mother who transforms into a fierce, goddess-like figure while trying to rescue her child from a child-trafficking network.
Bandi says he approached Monika Shergill, who was then associated with Voot and is now the Vice President of Content at Netflix India, through LinkedIn in 2019. He shared an eight-page story and a two-page synopsis with her the following month. While the material was acknowledged, he was later informed that the story did not fit the company’s commissioning plans.
Bandi also registered the story and synopsis with the Screenwriters Association around the same time. He continued developing the concept over the years and, in 2023, approached Baweja Studios and also pitched the project to JioHotstar.
When Netflix announced Gandhari in 2025, Bandi said the title immediately caught his attention. He began comparing the announced project with his own story and felt there were enough similarities to raise concerns.
“Only I can connect the title to the concept because it was my creativity. How can it be credited to Kanika Dhillon?”
Bandi also claims that production houses he had previously approached backed away from discussions after the Netflix project was announced, causing him financial and professional losses.
He sent a legal notice in September 2025, seeking around Rs 40 lakh towards compensation for the alleged unauthorised use of his work, loss of reputation, mental agony, and legal expenses. However, he says his primary concern is not financial compensation but recognition for his work.
According to Bandi, the legal notice did not receive a response and the matter did not reach court. He said his lawyer advised him to pursue legal action, but he decided against a prolonged case because of the financial burden involved.
Makers Deny All Allegations
Kathha Pictures, the production house backing Gandhari, has rejected all allegations of plagiarism. The company issued a statement on Instagram, calling the claims false and baseless.
“These allegations are false, and we deny them unequivocally. Gandhari is an original work, written and produced by Ms Kanika Dhillon and developed by Kathha Pictures. Its story and screenplay are Ms Dhillon’s own work.”
The production house also requested the media and the public to treat the allegations as unverified and false, and to refrain from repeating them as established fact.
Kanika Dhillon had previously spoken about the film, saying:
“With Gandhari, we are bringing an intense and emotionally charged mother-led action thriller to the screen. Taapsee and I are coming together for a fiery, raw action-thriller for the first time. Gandhari is a heroic story of a mother driven by revenge that I had a great time writing and producing.”
Raghav Desai Also Made Similar Claims
In addition to Kalyan Bandi, another Mumbai-based writer named Raghav Desai has also claimed that he pitched a similar script to the makers in 2024 and alleged that the script was copied and is being used under Kanika Dhillon’s name. However, Kathha Pictures has denied these claims as well, stating that the film is an original piece of work.
Related:
Film Still Set for Netflix Release
Despite the controversy, Gandhari is still scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 3. The plagiarism allegations are not expected to impact the film’s release.
The film is directed by Devashish Makhija, known for films like Bhonsle (2018) and Joram (2023). Taapsee Pannu will be seen in an action-heavy avatar in the film, which combines action with a deeply human narrative.
Also Read: Taapsee Pannu Returns to Action with ‘Gandhari’ After 9 Years, Hopes Fans Love Her Fierce New Avatar
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for the latest updates on Bollywood controversies, OTT releases, and exclusive celebrity news.
Leave a Reply