By Bollywood BTown DeskPublished: August 24, 2026
Taapsee Pannu’s upcoming Netflix thriller Gandhari has landed in the middle of a plagiarism controversy ahead of its September premiere.
A Mumbai-based writer has reportedly alleged that the film’s concept and title are similar to a script he had previously pitched to the makers.
The production house behind the film, Kathha Pictures, has strongly rejected the allegation and has described Gandhari as an original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon.
The controversy has brought additional attention to the film, which was already being closely watched because of Taapsee’s intense action role and its emotional story centred on a mother searching for her missing daughter.
What Are the Plagiarism Claims About ‘Gandhari’?
The controversy reportedly began after Mumbai-based writer Raghav Desai alleged that he had pitched a similar script to the makers in 2024.
According to reports, Desai claimed that elements of his original work were allegedly used in Gandhari and that the film was being developed under the same or a similar title.
However, these are allegations and have not been established as facts.
The claims gained attention on social media and prompted the film’s production house to publicly address the issue.
‘Gandhari’ Makers Strongly Deny the Allegations
Kathha Pictures has issued a statement rejecting the plagiarism claims.
The production house said the allegations suggesting that Gandhari copied another person’s concept and title werefalse.
It maintained that the film is an original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and developed by Kathha Pictures.
The makers also stated that the story and screenplay belong to Kanika Dhillon’s own work.
Kathha Pictures further requested media organisations, digital platforms and the public not to circulate the allegations as established facts, describing them as unverified and false.
This response has made the production house’s position clear, although the allegations themselves have become part of the film’s pre-release discussion.
What Is ‘Gandhari’ About?
Away from the controversy, Gandhari is being presented as an emotionally charged action thriller.
The film follows Bani, played by Taapsee Pannu, a mother searching for her missing daughter. Her journey takes her into a dangerous world where she is forced to confront increasingly difficult challenges.
The story is set in the fictional town of Joypurra and focuses heavily on a mother’s determination, resilience and willingness to fight against overwhelming circumstances.
Netflix has described the film as a story about the extraordinary lengths a mother can go to when the safety of her child is at stake.
Taapsee Pannu Plays a Determined Mother
Taapsee Pannu is taking on one of the more physically demanding roles of her recent career with Gandhari.
Her character, Bani, is not simply fighting an external enemy. She is driven by a deeply personal mission — finding and protecting her daughter.
That emotional motivation is expected to remain at the centre of the film even as the story moves into action-heavy territory.
Taapsee has previously taken on physically demanding and emotionally intense roles, and Gandhari gives her another opportunity to combine both aspects in a single character.
Kanika Dhillon Writes and Produces the Film
Kanika Dhillon is one of the key creative forces behind Gandhari.
She has written and produced the film, while Devashish Makhija has directed it. The project brings together a creative team that has previously worked on stories featuring strong female characters and complicated emotional situations.
Dhillon has described Bani’s journey as raw, personal and relentless, highlighting the character’s refusal to allow difficult circumstances to define her.
For Dhillon and Taapsee,Gandhari is another collaboration built around a female-led story, but this time the duo has moved into a more action-oriented thriller space.
Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon’s Working Relationship
Gandhari continues the professional association between Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon.
The pair have previously worked together on projects including **Manmarziyaan, Haseen Dillruba, Rashmi Rocket, Dunki and Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba**.
Their collaboration has often involved stories that place complex women at the centre of the narrative.
WithGandhari, they are attempting something different by combining that emotional storytelling approach with an action thriller.
Who Stars Alongside Taapsee?
The film features an ensemble cast supporting Taapsee Pannu.
Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht and Jatin Sarna are part of the cast.
Their characters become part of Bani’s increasingly dangerous journey as she moves closer to finding her daughter.
The ensemble is expected to add different layers to the fictional world of Joypurra and the threats surrounding the protagonist.
Devashish Makhija Directs ‘Gandhari’
The film has been directed by Devashish Makhija, whose filmmaking has often explored darker and socially intense themes
His involvement gives Gandhari a different tone from a conventional mainstream action film. The project combines physical action with a more emotional story built around a mother’s determination.
The director is working from Kanika Dhillon’s screenplay, with Dhillon also serving as producer.
When and Where Can You Watch ‘Gandhari’?
Despite the controversy surrounding the plagiarism claims, the film’s release plans remain unchanged.
Gandhari is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 3, 2026.
The film will be available as a Netflix release rather than receiving a traditional theatrical run.
Netflix has officially confirmed the September 3 premiere date and described the project as an action thriller driven by a mother’s love and determination.
What the Makers’ Denial Means
The plagiarism controversy is important because questions of originality can affect the public perception of a film even before its release.
In this case, however, it is important to distinguish between an allegation and an established finding.
A writer has reportedly raised concerns about similarities between his work and Gandhari, while Kathha Pictures has categorically denied the claims and maintained that the film is an original creation by Kanika Dhillon.
At present, there is no verified finding in the available reports establishing that Gandhari copied another writer’s work.
The production house has therefore asked people not to present the allegations as confirmed facts.
Why ‘Gandhari’ Is Generating Interest
Even before the plagiarism controversy, Gandhari had several reasons to attract attention.
The film brings Taapsee Pannu back to an action-heavy role, reunites her with writer-producer Kanika Dhillon and places a mother’s emotional journey at the centre of a thriller.
The fictional setting of Joypurra also gives the story room to create a world that combines action, danger and elements of mythology-inspired storytelling.
Netflix has positioned the film around the idea of a mother whose love becomes a powerful force when her child is in danger.
What Fans Can Expect From the Film
The film appears to be aiming for a balance between high-intensity action and emotional storytelling.
Rather than presenting Bani simply as an action hero, the story is built around her identity as a mother and the personal reason behind her fight.
That emotional foundation could become one of the film’s biggest strengths, particularly because the audience is expected to understand what is driving Bani through every dangerous situation.
Taapsee’s physical transformation and action work are also expected to be important parts of the viewing experience.
Final Word
Taapsee Pannu’s Gandhari has found itself at the centre of a plagiarism controversy just weeks before its Netflix premiere.
A writer has reportedly alleged that the film shares similarities with a script he had previously pitched, while Kathha Pictures has firmly denied the allegations and called Gandhari an original work written and produced by Kanika Dhillon.
Directed by Devashish Makhija, the film stars Taapsee Pannu as Bani, a mother determined to find her missing daughter. The story combines action, emotional drama and themes of resilience and sacrifice.
With **Gandhari scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 3, 2026**, audiences will soon have the opportunity to judge the film on its story, performances and execution.
For now, the plagiarism issue remains a matter of allegations and denial, and it should not be treated as a proven case of copying. The makers have made their position clear, and the film’s release will ultimately put the spotlight back on the story they say is their original work.
