With Squid Game returning, could Bollywood's Luck be set for a sequel?

As Netflix prepares for the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game on December 26, 2024, controversy has arisen over allegations that the hit Korean drama copied the premise of a 2009 Bollywood film. Indian filmmaker Soham Shah has filed a lawsuit in New York federal court, claiming that Squid Game is a "blatant rip-off" of his Hindi-language movie Luck.

Shah argues that both productions center on desperate individuals competing in deadly games to win large sums of money. However, Netflix has firmly denied the accusations, stating, "This claim has no merit. Squid Game was created and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk, and we intend to defend this matter vigorously."

Location and Setting

While both Luck and Squid Game revolve around life-or-death challenges, Luck takes place across international locations, whereas Squid Game is set on a secluded island in South Korea.

Squid Game SetIMDB

Game Format and Themes

Luck features high-stakes trials that are less culturally specific, in contrast to Squid Game's use of traditional Korean children's games with deadly consequences. This thematic divergence is key to both productions' identities.

Contestant Scale and Production Values

Squid Game features a much larger contestant pool, with 456 players, compared to Luck's smaller group. The Korean series also boasts a higher budget and more elaborate set designs, contributing to its visually striking appeal.

Global Success and Ongoing Legal Battle

Despite the legal dispute, Squid Game has become a global sensation, achieving remarkable success worldwide. The first season garnered 1.65 billion viewing hours within four weeks and made history as the first foreign-language drama to win top honors at the Emmy Awards. Fans eagerly await the return of Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in the upcoming season.

While Luck garnered mixed reviews upon its release in 2009, and there are currently no plans for a sequel. The lawsuit highlighted the growing complexities of proving originalityin the entertainment industry, where similar high-stakes competition concepts can emerge independently across cultures and industries.