Bollywood’s latest blockbuster “Saiyaara” is making headlines for all the wrong reasons! While Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s debut film has earned a whopping ₹45 crores in just two days, eagle-eyed netizens have spotted striking similarities with the 2004 Korean classic “A Moment to Remember.“ The internet is now ablaze with plagiarism accusations against director Mohit Suri.
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Saiyaara vs A Moment to Remember: The Comparison
| Aspect | Saiyaara (2025) | A Moment to Remember (2004) |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Mohit Suri | John H. Lee |
| Stars | Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda | Son Ye-jin, Jung Woo-sung |
| Plot | Musician-journalist love story | Designer-worker romance |
| Medical Condition | Early-onset Alzheimer’s | Early-onset Alzheimer’s |
| Box Office | ₹45 crores (2 days) | Massive Korean hit |
| IMDb Rating | New release | 8.1/10 |
The Striking Similarities That Sparked Outrage
Identical Core Premise: Both films revolve around young couples whose romance is devastated when the female lead develops early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This isn’t just a minor plot point – it’s the emotional centerpiece driving both narratives.
Memory Trigger Locations: The films share uncanny parallels in their storytelling devices. Saiyaara uses cricket grounds and coaching sessions as memory triggers, mirroring the convenience store scenes in the Korean original where the couple first met.
Heartbreaking Progression: As the illness advances, both female characters make the painful decision to admit themselves into care facilities to avoid burdening their partners – a devastating plot point that’s virtually identical in both films.
The Internet’s Explosive Reaction
Fans Aren’t Holding Back: Social media erupted with accusations. One furious Twitter user declared: “Saiyaara is a copy of a Korean film. Mohit Suri rarely makes original films.” Another pointed out: “Most of the points are the same. The ending is also the same.”
Pattern Recognition: Eagle-eyed viewers are connecting dots to Suri’s previous work. A viral comment noted: “Mohit Suri and his love for South Korean films. Ek Villain was also an adaptation of I Saw The Devil.”
Mohit Suri’s Korean Film Connection
A Troubling Pattern: This isn’t Suri’s first rodeo with Korean adaptations:
- Murder 2 (2011): Uncredited remake of “The Chaser” (2008)
- Awarapan (2007): Based on “A Bittersweet Life” (2005)
- Ek Villain (2014): Inspired by “I Saw the Devil” (2010)
The Missing Credits: Unlike official remakes, these films never credited their Korean sources, leading to ongoing plagiarism debates in Bollywood circles.
The Defense vs The Evidence
Supporters’ Arguments: Some fans argue that Saiyaara has key differences – more emphasis on music and healing, different social dynamics, and a unique urban setting. They point out that Alzheimer’s has been explored before in Bollywood with films like “U Me Aur Hum” (2008).
Critics’ Case: However, the similarities run deeper than just the disease. The emotional arc, specific plot progressions, and even the final reconciliation scenes follow remarkably similar patterns to the Korean masterpiece.
Box Office Success Amid Controversy
Commercial Triumph: Despite the plagiarism allegations, Saiyaara is crushing box office records. Day 1 brought ₹21 crores, while Day 2 soared to ₹24 crores, making it 2025’s biggest opener.
Industry Support: Bollywood heavyweights like Alia Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt have praised the film, with Bhatt calling it a movie that “makes you feel things that only movies can make you feel.”
Audience Disconnect: The controversy highlights a fascinating divide – while critics and film buffs cry plagiarism, general audiences are embracing the emotional storytelling without concern for its origins.
The Bigger Picture
Bollywood’s Adaptation Culture: This controversy reignites debates about Bollywood’s relationship with international cinema. When does “inspiration” cross the line into “copying”? Should unofficial adaptations credit their sources?
Korean Cinema’s Growing Influence: With Korean content dominating global entertainment through K-dramas and films like “Parasite,” more viewers are recognizing when Indian films borrow from Korean sources.
Bottom Line: Whether Saiyaara is a “copy” or “inspired by” A Moment to Remember, the controversy reveals Bollywood’s ongoing struggle with originality versus adaptation, while audiences continue flocking to theaters regardless of the source material.
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