Taapsee Pannu’s Gandhari Faces Copyright Row: Writer Kalyan Bandi Makes Plagiarism Claim

Taapsee Pannu's new film 'Gandhari' became embroiled in controversy immediately upon the release of its poster. The film, slated for a direct-to-OTT release, faces allegations of 'story theft.' Writer Kalyan Bandi has alleged—citing copyright grounds—that the film's story is based on his concept. Furthermore, he claims to have written and registered a similar story back in 2019. However, 'Katha Pictures'—the production company owned by Kanika Dhillon, the film's producer—has dismissed these allegations. The makers assert that it is their 'original work.' 'Gandhari' tells the story of a mother who sets out in search of her abducted daughter.

Directed by Devashish Makhija, 'Gandhari' is set to release on the OTT platform Netflix on September 3, 2026. This marks Taapsee Pannu's next film following the release of 'Assi' in February of this year. Ishwak Singh also stars alongside her. The film's story has been penned by its producer, Kanika Dhillon.

Who is Kalyan Bandi, and what has he claimed?

Kalyan Bandi is a writer and an alumnus of IIT Madras. He currently works as an inspector with the Central GST and Customs department. He alleged that back in 2019, he wrote and registered a story titled 'Gandhari'. The premise was the same: a mother transforms into a fierce goddess-like figure after getting entangled with a child-trafficking gang.

"I narrated this story to Monika Shergill in 2019. She was working with Voot at the time and is now a Vice President at Netflix. I also sent a legal notice in September 2025, demanding ₹40 lakh in compensation and proper credit."

— Kalyan Bandi, Writer

Kalyan Bandi says: Narrated the story to Monika Shergill, sent a legal notice.

Speaking to *India Today*, Kalyan Bandi stated that he had narrated this story to Monika Shergill in 2019. Shergill was with Voot at the time and currently serves as a Vice President at Netflix. He has been raising concerns regarding the origins of 'Gandhari' ever since. He alleges that he sent a legal notice in September 2025, seeking ₹40 lakh in compensation and appropriate credit.

"I sent Monika Shergill an eight-page story and a two-page synopsis for 'Gandhari'. A few weeks later, I received confirmation that the script had been received, but was told the story did not fit the company's commissioning slate. I had registered the story with the Screenwriters Association at that time."

— Kalyan Bandi, Writer

"Sent an 8-page story in 2019; registered it that same year."

The writer further claimed that he first contacted Monika Shergill via LinkedIn in 2019 and, that same month, sent her the eight-page story and two-page synopsis for 'Gandhari'. A few weeks later, he was informed that the script had been received, but was told that the story did not fit the company's commissioning slate (list of projects). According to Kalyan Bandi, he had registered the story with the 'Screenwriters Association' at that time and continued working on the idea.

Shocked after the film's announcement

Kalyan Bandi states that he contacted 'Baweja Studios' in 2023. Discussions regarding the screenplay continued for five to six months, and he also sent his pitch to JioHotstar. Later, the announcement of 'Gandhari' on Netflix in 2025 came as a shock to him. According to the writer, the film's title immediately caught his attention, but he did not jump to conclusions hastily. After learning the project details, he noticed similarities and raised the issue.

"Our attention has been drawn to allegations claiming that our upcoming film Gandhari copies someone else's concept and uses that person's title. These allegations are false, and we refute them."

— Katha Pictures

What Kanika Dhillon's 'Katha Pictures' said about the allegations

Meanwhile, on Monday, Kanika Dhillon's company, 'Katha Pictures', dismissed Kalyan Bandi's claims. An official statement read, "Our attention has been drawn to allegations circulating on social media and in certain publications claiming that our upcoming film *Gandhari* copies someone else's concept and uses that person's title. These allegations are false, and we categorically refute them."

"Gandhari is an original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and developed by Katha Pictures. Its story and screenplay are Dhillon's own work." Katha Pictures

Makers state: 'Gandhari' is an original work by Kanika Dhillon.

It was further stated on behalf of Kanika Dhillon, "'Gandhari' is an original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and developed by 'Katha Pictures'. The story and screenplay are Dhillon's own work. We request the media, digital platforms, and the general public to view these allegations for what they are—unverified and false."

...was my creative work. How can the credit for this be given to Kanika Dhillon? My lawyer advised me to take legal action, but I cannot afford the cost of a long-drawn-out court case.

Kalyan Bandi, Writer

Kalyan Bandi says—I cannot afford the cost of a court case.

Meanwhile, Kalyan Bandi has also responded to the production house's recent statement regarding the plagiarism allegations. He said, "I can only link this title to the concept because it was my creative work. How can the credit for this be given to Kanika Dhillon? The production houses I was in talks with backed out after the announcement, causing me financial and professional loss. My lawyer advised me to take legal action, but I cannot afford the cost of a long-drawn-out court case."

I don't even want money. Just say thank you and acknowledge that it was my idea.

Kalyan Bandi, Writer

"I don't want money; just say thank you and give credit."

Kalyan Bandi concludes, "I don't even want money. Just say thank you and acknowledge that it was my idea. If they can prove to me that this isn't my story, I would be very happy."

'Gandhari': Release Date and Cast

The film's story is set in a fictional city called 'Joypura'. At its center is 'Baani', a mother whose loyalty is tested at every turn. According to the makers, Taapsee Pannu plays one of her most challenging roles to date in this film. The movie features a powerful blend of intense action and deep human emotions. The cast also includes Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht, and Jatin Sarna. This marks the fourth collaboration between Taapsee and Kanika Dhillon. Prior to this, the two have worked together in 'Manmarziyaan', 'Haseen Dillruba', and 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba'. 'Gandhari' will be released on Netflix on September 3, 2026.