Is Saiyaara a Copy of a South Korean Movie? The Truth Behind the Rumors

With its soulful music, emotional storytelling, and fresh casting, the Bollywood film Saiyaara has been making waves at the box office. But alongside its rising popularity, a new buzz has taken over social media — is Saiyaara a copy of a South Korean movie?

Let’s break down the truth behind this trending question.

Understanding the Origin of the Rumors

Soon after the release of Saiyaara, fans started noticing striking similarities in its tone and emotional depth with several Korean romantic dramas and films. The internet, especially Twitter and Reddit forums, was flooded with queries such as:

• “Is Saiyaara inspired by A Moment to Remember?”

• “Did Saiyaara borrow its plot from any K-drama?”

These assumptions, however, appear to be based more on the cinematic style and emotional themes than any factual evidence. There is no official confirmation from the filmmakers, and no direct comparison to a specific Korean movie has been validated.

What the Filmmakers Say

Director Mohit Suri, known for helming emotional dramas like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, has a reputation for being influenced by global cinema, including Korean thrillers and romantic sagas. However, neither Suri nor writer Niharika Joshi has acknowledged Saiyaara as an adaptation.

In promotional interviews, the creative team has emphasized that the story is “deeply rooted in Indian culture” and draws from universal emotions like love, loss, and longing.

Is There Any Similarity with Korean Films?

While Saiyaara is not a scene-by-scene remake, certain cinematic elements might make it feel Korean-inspired:

• Emotional Flashbacks: The use of fragmented memories and romantic flashbacks is a common element in Korean dramas.

• Soft Color Palette and Melancholy Score: The visual tones and music (composed by Salim–Sulaiman) echo the aesthetics often seen in Korean cinema.

• Tragic Romance Themes: Korean films are known for their heartbreaking love stories, which seem to be mirrored in Saiyaara.

Despite these artistic similarities, these are stylistic choices rather than plot-level imitations. Many Indian films also use these techniques, especially in the romance genre.

Past Cases of Bollywood Remakes of Korean Films

It’s important to note that Bollywood has remade or unofficially copied South Korean films in the past. For example:

• Ek Villain (also directed by Mohit Suri) was heavily inspired by the Korean film I Saw the Devil.

• Murder 2 drew inspiration from The Chaser.

• Radhe was loosely based on The Outlaws.

Given this history, fans have grown more sensitive to spotting similarities between Indian and Korean films. But again, in the case of Saiyaara, no such concrete link has been established.

What Makes Saiyaara Stand Out

One of the key reasons Saiyaara is resonating with audiences is its fresh casting and heartfelt performances:

Ahaan Panday, making his debut as Krish Kapoor, brings a raw emotional depth and natural charm to the screen. His portrayal of a passionate young musician has struck a chord with Gen Z viewers.

Aneet Padda, playing Vaani Batra, delivers a sincere and grounded performance as an aspiring lyricist. Her expressive acting adds emotional weight to the film’s romantic and dramatic moments.

Together, the duo’s chemistry brings an authentic vibe that elevates Saiyaara beyond a typical coming-of-age love story. Under Mohit Suri’s seasoned direction and Yash Raj Films’ production backing, the film combines music, romance, and emotion to create a refreshing cinematic experience.

Verdict: Inspired, Not Copied

In conclusion, while Saiyaara may feel inspired by the emotional tone and storytelling style of Korean movies, it is not a copy of any particular South Korean film. The story stands as an original work written by Niharika Joshi, supported by a talented cast and crew.

Unless any official announcement comes forward from the production house or creative team, labeling it a remake would be speculative at best.

FAQs

Is Saiyaara a remake of a K-drama or Korean film?

No. There is no evidence or official confirmation that Saiyaara is a remake of any Korean drama or movie.

Has Mohit Suri copied Korean movies before?

Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain was reportedly inspired by I Saw the Devil, but Saiyaara is considered an original story.

Why do people think Saiyaara is inspired by Korean films?

Due to its emotional narrative, soft visual tone, and tragic romance — elements commonly seen in K-dramas.

Will the makers release an official statement?

So far, they have not addressed the rumor directly. If the story was adapted, credits or rights would legally need to be acknowledged.