Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara may have set the box office abuzz with a ₹21 crore opening, but its soaring success comes with a swirl of controversy. The romantic musical, led by debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has sparked debate online for its uncanny resemblance to the 2004 South Korean tearjerker A Moment to Remember. As fans cheer the emotional storyline, critics are questioning how original the film truly is.
Is Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara a Remake?
Shortly after its release, several filmgoers took to social media to point out the film’s striking resemblance to the 2004 Korean romantic drama A Moment to Remember. That film, directed by John H. Lee, features a similar storyline where a woman, Su-jin (Son Ye-jin), battles early-onset Alzheimer’s, and her partner, Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung), remains by her side through her memory loss.
Reddit users were quick to compare both films. “Major plot points are literally the same, like Alzheimer’s, confusion with ex, girl running away. Also, the ending where he recreates the past moment is the same…” one user noted. Another added, “So Saiyaara is based on A Moment to Remember? Mohit Suri and his love for retelling South Korean movies..." While some criticised the film’s originality, others came to Mohit Suri’s defense.
No Official Word Yet on ‘A Moment to Remember’ Link
The makers of Saiyaara, including screenwriter Sankalp Sadanah and dialogue writer Rohan Shankar, have not addressed the comparisons. YRF’s Akshaye Widhani has produced the film, which has been applauded for its soulful music and heartfelt performances. The soundtrack boasts an impressive lineup of composers including Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Rishabh Kant, and Arslan Nizami.
As the remake debate rages on, one thing is clear — Saiyaara has struck a chord with audiences both emotionally and commercially.