Netflix has responded to plagiarism claims surrounding Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming film Gandhari.
The controversy started when writer Kalyan Bandi accused the film team of using his original story idea. He claimed he shared the concept with Netflix executive Monika Shergill years ago.
At the trailer launch in Mumbai, Netflix India’s Director of Original Films Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh addressed the allegations.
She said Netflix values creative ownership and respects every writer’s work. She added that Bandi’s concept differs from Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu’s Gandhari.
Ruchikaa also asked viewers to watch the film before forming opinions. She said Netflix supports both established writers and new storytellers.
Kalyan Bandi, an IIT Madras alumnus, claimed he wrote a story titled Gandhari in 2019. He said the story followed a mother who becomes a powerful figure while fighting to rescue her child from a trafficking network.
Bandi claimed he shared an eight-page synopsis with Monika Shergill. He said the project was rejected because it did not fit the company’s plans at that time.
After Netflix announced Gandhari in 2025, Bandi sent a legal notice seeking compensation. However, he said his main demand was recognition for his idea.
Kanika Dhillon’s production house Kathha Pictures denied the accusations. The company said Gandhari is an original story created by Dhillon.
The film follows the journey of a mother and features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. Devashish Makhija directed the project, which also stars Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht, and Jatin Sarna.
Gandhari will premiere on Netflix on September 3. The plagiarism dispute has added attention to the film ahead of its release.