‘Just say thank you’: Taapsee Pannu’s Gandhari hit by plagiarism claim, writer challenges Kanika Dhillon’s credit

Taapsee Pannu's upcoming Netflix film Gandhari has become embroiled in a plagiarism controversy just days before its release. Writer Kalyan Bandi has accused producer Kanika Dhillon, through her company Kathha Pictures, of stealing his original story. Bandi claims to have written and registered the tale of Gandhari in 2019, which follows a mother who becomes a powerful figure while seeking her kidnapped daughter, only to uncover a child trafficking ring.

He says he pitched the idea to Netflix in 2019, but it didn't align with the company's plans. Bandi later registered the story with the Screenwriters Association and continued to develop it independently. He recently sent a legal notice to Kathha Pictures, seeking both financial compensation and creative credit for the film. Producer Kanika Dhillon has firmly denied the allegations, stating that Gandhari is entirely original and written by her.

Bandi, however, maintains his claim, saying the film's plot mirrors his work too closely. He has stated he doesn't seek money, but rather acknowledges for his original idea. Kathha Pictures maintains they deny any claims of copying Bandi's work, calling the allegations false.