Squid Game, the hit Netflix series, has become a global sensation, but it is now facing legal challenges from an unexpected source. Bollywood director Sohum Shah has approached a federal court in New York, alleging that his 2009 film Luck was copied to create Squid Game. Shah claims that the storyline of Squid Game bears striking similarities to his film, and he is suing Netflix and series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk for damages.
Luck, directed by Sohum Shah, features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, and Imran Khan, with Shruti Haasan making her acting debut. Despite its mixed reviews upon release, the film’s premise involves characters who, burdened with debt, participate in high-stakes games for a massive cash prize. These games include a variety of challenges, echoing the concept of Squid Game, where 456 financially struggling participants are lured to a secret island to compete in deadly games for a fortune.
In his lawsuit, Shah argues that Squid Game’s storyline, which also centers on desperate individuals competing in life-threatening games for a substantial reward, is a direct copy of his film. He has requested that Netflix remove the series from its platform, citing a breach of copyright.
Netflix, however, has responded to these allegations by asserting that they are baseless. The streaming giant maintains that Squid Game was created independently, with the story written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has claimed to have developed the concept for the series in 2009, the same year Luck was released.
Squid Game has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique survival thriller concept, featuring games like Red Light, Green Light and Tug of War, culminating in the final challenge called the Squid Game. The series’ success has led to anticipation for its upcoming second season, which is expected to release in December.
As the legal battle unfolds, both Netflix and Hwang Dong-hyuk continue to assert their creative independence, while Sohum Shah seeks justice for what he believes is a significant infringement on his work.
