The upcoming Netflix film 'Gandhari' starring Taapsee Pannu is embroiled in a plagiarism row after writer Kalyan Bandi claimed the plot is based on his registered concept.

  • Writer Kalyan Bandi claims 'Gandhari' is based on his 2019 concept registered with SWA.
  • Kathha Pictures and Kanika Dhillon have categorically denied all plagiarism allegations.
  • The plot centers on a mother's fierce quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter from a trafficking ring.

The buzz surrounding Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming Netflix feature 'Gandhari' has taken a sour turn. Writer Kalyan Bandi, an IIT Madras alumnus and current Central GST Inspector, has come forward with serious allegations, claiming that the film's core concept was stolen from a story he developed years ago. While the production house, Kathha Pictures, maintains the work is original, the dispute has sparked a heated debate over intellectual property in Bollywood.

According to Bandi, he registered a story titled 'Gandhari' in 2019, which depicted a mother transforming into a fierce goddess-like figure while battling a child-trafficking racket. He alleges that he pitched this specific concept to Monika Shergill in 2019, who was then with Voot and is currently the Vice President at Netflix. Despite receiving an acknowledgment, he was told the story did not fit the commissioning slate at the time.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident highlights the systemic vulnerability of independent writers in the Indian film industry. The 'pitching' process often lacks a transparent paper trail, leaving creators exposed when their ideas are mirrored in big-budget productions. This case could set a precedent for how streaming giants like Netflix handle internal acquisitions and creative credits.

"The thin line between 'inspiration' and 'plagiarism' in cinema often becomes a legal battlefield when the power imbalance between a writer and a studio is vast."

Bandi claims that he sent a legal notice in September 2025 seeking monetary compensation and due credit. He further stated that the announcement of 'Gandhari' on Netflix caused him significant professional distress, as other studios he was negotiating with suddenly backed out of their deals. Despite the legal advice, Bandi mentioned that the cost of a prolonged court battle is prohibitively expensive for him.

In a swift response, Kanika Dhillon’s Kathha Pictures issued a statement refuting the claims. The production house described the allegations as "false and unverified," asserting that the story and screenplay are the original creations of Ms. Dhillon. They have urged the public and media to refrain from spreading these claims as established facts.

Party Core Argument Current Demand/Status
Kalyan Bandi Story registered in 2019; pitched to Netflix VP. Seeking acknowledgment and credit.
Kathha Pictures Original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon. Unequivocal denial of plagiarism.
Did You Know?: The Screenwriters Association (SWA) is the primary body in India where writers register their scripts to create a legal timestamp of their intellectual property.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the plot of the movie Gandhari?
The film follows a mother, played by Taapsee Pannu, who embarks on a dangerous journey to find her kidnapped daughter.

2. When is the film scheduled for release?
The movie is set to premiere on Netflix on September 3.