Islamabad, July 22, 2025: Bollywood film Saiyaara noticed for striking resemblance to Korean classic A Moment to Remember, sparking debate on unofficial remake.
Ahaan Panday debut film Saiyaara has left an emotional impact on audiences, but it has also sparked a wave of whispers about its strong resemblance to the 2004 South Korean hit, A Moment to Remember. As similarities between the both continue to buzz online, many are beginning to question if Saiyaara is truly an original Bollywood love story or a loose adaptation without any official credit.
As both films center on tragic romance shaped by early stage Alzheimer’s. In Saiyaara, the female lead’s memory gradually declines while her partner clings to the pieces of their love, trying to hold on to what little remains. Emotional beats ranging from moments of identity confusion to a climax where memory is softly revived, closely resemble the original Korean film.
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In spite of these shared elements, the makers of Saiyaara insist the film is an original creation. Directed by Mohit Suri and co-written with Sankalp Sadanah, the movie offers no formal validation of A Moment to Remember. This silence has only intensified criticism, especially as Bollywood has a history of burrowing from international cinema frequently without offering credit.
Fans of Saiyaara argue that the film offers its own voice, fusing the story into an Indian setting, with a musical backdrop and cultural shades. Ahaan’s character, a struggling musician adds a layer of creative authenticity that did not exist in the Korean version. For many, these adjustments feel more like a window dressing than a genuine adaptation.
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The situation brings into light a broader view around originality and influence in Indian cinema. While borrowing stories is not surprising, the lack of credit blurs the line between inspiration and use. In Saiyaara’s case, the emotional influence is obvious but so is the overlap.
Is Saiyaara simply inspired by a classic Korean film or does it cross the line into unofficial remake zone? The filmmakers have yet to react but the audiences certainly are and in the court of public opinion, silence is an indication to sound a lot like validation.
