A new lawsuit has surfaced against Netflix, claiming that the global streaming platform plagiarized the concept of its hit series Squid Game from a 2009 Bollywood movie. Indian filmmaker Soham Shah, director of the Hindi-language film Luck, has taken legal action against Netflix, alleging that the South Korean series bears significant thematic similarities to his movie. The filmmaker is seeking to prevent Netflix from continuing to profit off what he claims is a violation of his intellectual property.

Allegations of Copyright Infringement

The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, alleges that the core concept of Squid Game closely mirrors the plot of Luck, which Shah directed and released in 2009. According to Shah, both productions revolve around desperate individuals in financial distress who are recruited to participate in dangerous, life-threatening games for the chance to win a large cash prize. The contestants in both stories soon realize that their failure in the games results in death, while those who survive advance in the competition.

In addition to these core thematic elements, Shah’s legal team highlights the presence of wealthy spectators in both works who gamble on the outcomes of these brutal contests, further intensifying the stakes for the participants. The Indian filmmaker asserts that these similarities are too pronounced to be coincidental, arguing that his movie laid the groundwork for the dystopian narrative that has since made Squid Game a global sensation.

Who Came First: Luck or Squid Game?

Shah’s lawsuit claims that Luck was released in Indian, UK, US, and UAE theatres in 2009, three years after he wrote the script in 2006. Shah suggests that the availability of his film worldwide would have made it easy for Squid Game creator Hwang Dong Hyuk to access his work and adapt its concept when writing the Korean drama in 2018 or 2019.

Squid Game, which premiered on Netflix in 2021, became an instant hit and reportedly contributed to a $900 million increase in Netflix’s market value. The series attracted widespread attention for its portrayal of social inequality, using violent competition as a metaphor for the ruthless conditions faced by people in debt. However, Shah contends that these themes were already explored in Luck, which featured Bollywood stars Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, and Shruti Haasan.

While the accusations are still being evaluated, the striking similarities between the two works have sparked debates about originality and the ethics of adapting content without proper credit. Shah has called for Netflix to stop infringing on his intellectual property, raising questions about how closely related the two stories truly are.

Netflix’s Response to the Allegations

In response to the allegations, Netflix has categorically denied any wrongdoing. The company maintains that Squid Game was independently created by Hwang Dong Hyuk and that any similarities with Luck are purely coincidental. The streaming giant has yet to issue a formal public statement, but insiders suggest that they are prepared to fight the lawsuit.

Growing List of Controversies for Squid Game

This lawsuit is not the first controversy surrounding Squid Game, which has faced several legal and public relations issues since its release. One of the most recent incidents involves Lee Jung Jae, the show’s lead actor, who was accused of fraud alongside Park In Gyu, the former CEO of WYSIWYG Studios. Although the actor’s agency denied the allegations, the case drew unwanted attention to the popular series.

Earlier this year, actor Oh Young Soo, who portrayed the elderly character Oh Il Nam in Season 1, was found guilty of sexual misconduct in South Korea. The case further tarnished the show’s reputation and fueled discussions about the darker side of the entertainment industry.

Even the highly anticipated release of Squid Game Season 2, set to premiere on December 26, 2024, has been marred by controversy. South Korean rapper Choi Seung Hyun, also known as T.O.P, was announced as part of the cast for the second season. However, his involvement has been scrutinized due to his past conviction for marijuana use and accusations of workplace bullying.

Additionally, a Squid Game staff member came under fire in July 2024 after allegedly displaying rude behavior at Incheon Airport in South Korea. The employee reportedly acted disrespectfully towards airport staff, further adding to the negative press surrounding the series.

As Squid Game prepares for its upcoming season, the ongoing lawsuit and other controversies continue to raise questions about the ethical practices behind the show. Whether or not the claims of plagiarism hold up in court, the case is another chapter in the complex and contentious journey of one of Netflix’s most successful series.

For more updates on the ongoing lawsuit and other Squid Game controversies, tune in to Vviptimes.

Source: (TMZ, Variety, Hindustan Times)