Did ‘Saiyaara’ lift its plot from a Korean classic? Viral video fuels debate over striking similarities

Mohit Suri’s latest romantic drama ‘Saiyaara’ has raced past the ₹100 crore milestone in just four days, becoming one of the most successful debuts for its lead stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. But even as the film wins over audiences and critics alike, a social media storm is brewing — with fans of Korean dramas questioning its originality.

A viral video comparing ‘Saiyaara’ with the 2004 Korean hit ‘A Moment to Remember’ has reignited debate over creative borrowing, with side-by-side scenes showing strikingly similar moments from both films. The conversation has now taken centre stage on the internet.

Viral video fuels allegations of copying

The controversy took off after a video began circulating on platforms like Twitter, placing emotional sequences from ‘Saiyaara’ alongside those from the Korean original. Among the scenes being compared is a key emotional clash between the male lead and another character over the heroine — a moment that echoes almost identically in ‘A Moment to Remember’, which starred Jung Woo-sung and Son Ye-jin.

Users flooded the internet with their takes, sharing quotes and scenes from the Korean film, suggesting ‘Saiyaara’ may have lifted not only the theme but several dramatic beats.

The Korean and Japanese connection

While ‘Saiyaara’ is now facing criticism for allegedly not crediting ‘A Moment to Remember’, film buffs have pointed out that the Korean film itself was inspired by the 2001 Japanese TV drama ‘Pure Soul’.

The Japanese story revolves around Kaoru, a woman in her thirties who, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, chooses to leave behind a heartfelt letter for her unborn child, Himawari. The emotional arc of the original has inspired multiple versions over the years.

Earlier, director Mohit Suri had clarified that ‘Saiyaara’ was an original concept. Co-written with Sankalp Sadanah, the filmmaker said the idea grew from his desire to portray the “pain in love” through a rooted, Indianised lens.

“In love, there will be pain… If love is not real, it’s not felt. I believe in it more than I fantasise about it,” Suri said in an interview with PTI.

Despite the questions raised, neither Suri nor Yash Raj Films have released an official statement addressing the alleged resemblance to the Korean movie.

Similar storylines highlighted by viewers

In ‘Saiyaara’, Ahaan Panday plays Krish Kapur, a hot-headed but passionate musician, while Aneet Padda portrays Vaani, a gentle and ambitious journalist. Their love story takes a tragic turn when Vaani is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, forcing them to deal with heartbreak and emotional upheaval.

The Korean film similarly follows Su-jin (Son Ye-jin) and Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung) as they confront the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s on their newlywed life. The film is remembered for its poignant storytelling and Chul-soo’s unshakeable devotion.

Box office and music score remain strong

Despite mounting allegations of unoriginality, ‘Saiyaara’ continues to attract large crowds. It has become one of the most commercially successful films featuring debutants in recent times. Its emotional weight and mass appeal, particularly among younger viewers, have helped cement its position as a hit.

The film’s soundtrack has also been widely praised, with contributions from noted composers including Mithoon, Sachet–Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Rishabh Kant, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami. Dialogues are written by Rohan Shankar, and the screenplay is credited to Sankalp Sadanah. The film is produced by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films.