Netflix India and its Content Head Monika Shergill have been accused of story theft.
A major controversy has erupted ahead of the release of Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming Netflix film Gandhari, scheduled to premiere on September 3. Screenwriter Kalyan Bandi has accused Netflix India and its Content Head, Monika Shergill, of plagiarism.
Kalyan claims that he had emailed a story titled Gandhari to Monika Shergill in 2019, but it was rejected at the time. He has now alleged that Netflix’s upcoming film has been made using the same title and concept. Kalyan has also reportedly sent a legal notice to Netflix, claiming the company has not responded for the past 11 months.
Poster of the Taapsee Pannu starrer film ‘Gandhari’.
Emailed the story to Netflix head According to a Mid-Day report, Kalyan Bandi, an IIT Madras graduate, wrote a story titled ‘Gandhari’ in 2019 and registered it with the Screenwriters Association. The story is about a mother who saves her child from a child trafficking network.
Kalyan stated that he contacted Monika Shergill via LinkedIn in April 2019. At that time, Monika was with Voot. Upon her request, Kalyan sent her an 8-page story and a 2-page synopsis. In May 2019, Monika rejected the story, stating that it did not fit their requirements.
Netflix India’s content head Monika Shergill has been accused of story theft.
Producers withdrew after Netflix’s announcement
Kalyan Bandi said that after his story was rejected, he began discussions with other production houses. In 2023, Baweja Studios reportedly agreed to develop the project for a theatrical release. However, Kalyan was shocked when Netflix India announced another film titled Gandhari, written by Kanika Dhillon, in September 2024.
He alleged that soon after Netflix’s announcement, the producers quietly withdrew from his project in December 2024. According to Kalyan, this caused him significant financial and professional losses.
Says Netflix did not respond to legal notice
Speaking to India Today, Kalyan said that after receiving no response from Netflix, he sought advice from the Screenwriters Association (SWA). He later sent a legal notice to Netflix and Monika Shergill in September 2025, demanding ₹40 lakh in compensation and credit.
According to Kalyan, Netflix did not respond to the notice even after 11 months. He said that, as a government employee, taking on Netflix’s large legal team in court was not easy for him. This is why he decided not to pursue the matter in court and instead raised his allegations on social media.
Gandhari film producer Kanika Dhillon.
Production house calls the allegations false
Meanwhile, Kanika Dhillon’s production house, Katha Pictures, has completely denied the allegations. In an official statement, the production house said that Gandhari is an entirely original project, with its story and screenplay written by Kanika Dhillon herself.
The makers have appealed to the media and audience not to believe the claims circulating on social media. Meanwhile, Mid-Day reported that Netflix India and Monika Shergill had not responded to the controversy when contacted.
