‘Gandhari’ Row: Netflix’s Ruchikaa Kapoor, Writer Kanika Dhillon React to Plagiarism Allegations
Netflix India and writer-producer Kanika Dhillon have publicly rejected allegations that Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming action-thriller 'Gandhari' plagiarizes a 2019 story registered by writer Kalyan Bandi. Speaking at the film’s trailer launch, executives asserted that the project is an entirely original script that adheres to the platform's strict intellectual property standards.
Netflix and the creative team behind the upcoming action-thriller Gandhari have publicly addressed allegations of plagiarism, asserting that the film is a completely original work. Speaking at the project's trailer launch event, Netflix India executive Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh and writer-producer Kanika Dhillon dismissed claims made by writer Kalyan Bandi, who alleged that the film bears strong similarities to a script he registered in 2019. Both executives maintained that the platform enforces strict standards around intellectual property and urged audiences to reserve judgment until viewing the film. Taapsee Pannu's 'Gandhari' Makers Reject Plagiarism Allegations.
Netflix Addresses ‘Gandhari’ Plagiarism Row
Addressing the media during the official trailer launch, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, stated that the streaming service takes artistic attribution very seriously while clarifying that the project in question is distinct from Bandi's pitch.
Watch the Trailer of ‘Gandhari’:
“You know, at Netflix, we take originality and artistic attribution very seriously. I want to make it very clear here that we receive multiple pitches, and the pitch in question is very different from Kanika and Taapsee's Gandhari,” Sheikh said.
She added that audiences will get clarity on the film's creative distinctiveness as more promotional material and the final film are released. “I won't make any other assumptions or push this further. Please watch the film, watch the trailer, and as the film comes out, you will see. But we are always committed to the originality of our storytellers, whether someone is on a streak of five or six things or if this is their first time,” she stated.
Writer Kanika Dhillon Reaffirms Script's Originality
Writer and co-producer Kanika Dhillon expressed empathy for the complainant from a creator's standpoint while firmly denying any unauthorised use of external material. She clarified that she had no prior interaction or acquaintance with the writer making the claims.
“You know, I'm a writer myself first and then a producer, so I totally respect somebody's sentiments. But in this particular case, I've never met the writer, and I don't know their journey,” Dhillon said.
Dhillon pointed out that the platform's review systems ensure script integrity before production begins. “I think once you hear the story, once you understand what the story is about, then you'll have a much clearer picture. And like Ruchikaa said, as a platform, Netflix is committed to very stringent rules and parameters. So I think there will be a clear picture once everything comes out. I have already mentioned that this is a completely original script; I just hope you all enjoy the film,” she added.
‘Gandhari’ Makers Break Silence on Plagiarism Allegations
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‘Gandhari’ Copyright Issue
The dispute surfaced after writer Kalyan Bandi publicly claimed that Netflix's film mirrors a story and synopsis he registered under the same title, Gandhari, in 2019. Bandi stated that his project centred on a mother adopting a fierce goddess persona to rescue her child from a human trafficking racket. According to Bandi, he had previously pitched the concept to executive Monika Shergill during her tenure at Voot before she joined Netflix, and he subsequently issued a legal notice seeking monetary compensation and screen credit.
However, Dhillon's production banner, Kathha Pictures, along with Netflix, has formally denied these claims. Directed by Devashish Makhija, Gandhari features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role of Bani, alongside Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht, and Jatin Sarna. Taapsee Pannu Drops Cryptic Post ‘Hence, Proved’ After Kangana Ranaut's ’Sasti Copy’ Remark (See Post).
Despite the ongoing controversy, Netflix is proceeding with its scheduled rollout, with Gandhari set to premiere globally on the platform on September 3.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 02:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
