Indian Filmmaker Soham Shah has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, accusing the platform of plagiarizing his 2009 film Luck to create the globally acclaimed Korea series Squid Game. However, Netflix has firmly denied the allegations by calling it baseless.
In a statement addressing the matter, a Netflix spokesperson emphasized their stance, stating, “This claim has no merit. Squid Game was created and written by Hwang Dong Hyuk, and we intend to defend this matter vigorously,” dismissing any claims of similarities to Shah’s work.
Similarities between ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Luck’
Squid Game directed by Hwang Dong Hyuk, revolves around 456 individuals burdened by financial debts who participate in dangerous children’s games for a chance to win 45.6 billion won. On the other hand, Soham Shah’s 2009 film Luck tells the story of an underworld kingpin who gathers people from different parts of the world, each possessing unique luck. They must face deadly challenges while gamblers bet on their outcomes.
The legal documents obtained by TMZ outline Shah’s case, which argues that the squid game is a direct “rip-off” of Luck, his 2009 action Bollywood action thriller starring Imran Khan, Shruti Hassan, and Sanjay Dutt. Shah alleges that the core concept of Squid Game, where financially struggling individuals engage in deadly games for large monetary prizes, closely resembles the plot of Luck.
Netflix Denies Plagiarism Claims
Despite the allegations, Netflix continues to defend Squid Game on its originality by stating that the show was the creation of South Korean director Hwang Dong Hyuk, who wrote and directed the series. According to Netflix, the series was in development for nearly a decade prior to its 2021 release.
Since its release, Squid Game gained widespread popularity and is now recognized as Netflix’s most watched series. Its distinctive approach to themes like social Inequality, debt, and survival resonated with viewers globally, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. The Platform has not revealed any plans to alter its ongoing promotion of the show as the legal proceedings unfold
The Lawsuit and its implications on Netflix
Soham Shah’s lawsuit argues that Netflix could have been aware of his film Luck due to its marketing and promotion, making it possible that they viewed it before the production of Squid Game began. The director is seeking formal recognition for his work, along with potential damages, although no specific financial amount has been disclosed publicly.
As the case proceeds, it sparks a larger conversation about intellectual property and where to draw the line between creative borrowing and originality in the entertainment business. Netflix, meanwhile, remains committed to defending the originality of Squid Game.
