Netflix dismisses Soham Shah's plagiarism charges, saying Squid Game is not taken from Luck

Netflix has firmly rejected filmmaker Soham Shah's allegations of plagiarism, asserting the originality of its hit series "Squid Game." Shah has filed a federal lawsuit in New York, claiming that the acclaimed Korean show is a "blatant rip-off" of his 2009 film "Luck," which featured stars like Imran Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Sanjay Dutt.

According to reports, Shah contends that the plot, characters, themes, and overall atmosphere of "Squid Game" closely mirror those of "Luck." He argues that the similarities are so pronounced that they defy any notion of coincidence. In response to the lawsuit, Netflix stated, "This claim has no merit. 'Squid Game' was created by and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk, and we intend to defend this matter vigorously."

The crux of Shah's complaint hinges on the narratives of both works. "Luck" revolves around a group of desperate individuals burdened by debt who are lured into a series of high-stakes competitive games with the promise of a significant cash prize. However, losing in these games leads to fatal consequences, heightening the tension and desperation among the contestants. 

In contrast, "Squid Game" features 456 participants, all grappling with dire financial challenges. They are invited to partake in a mysterious competition that includes deadly versions of traditional Korean children's games, where the stakes are life and death. While both stories explore themes of desperation and the extreme lengths individuals will go to for financial relief, they emerge from different cultural contexts.

Shah's legal action includes a specific accusation against Hwang Dong-hyuk, claiming that the writer suggested he had developed his version of the story in 2009, coinciding with the global release of "Luck." Shah states that he conceived the idea for "Luck" as early as 2006, which raises questions about the timeline and originality of the respective works.

This lawsuit has garnered attention just as the second season of "Squid Game" is set to premiere on December 26, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the situation. Netflix's response indicates that they are prepared to engage in a robust defense, aiming to uphold the creative integrity of "Squid Game." 

The controversy surrounding this lawsuit highlights the complexities of originality in storytelling, particularly in a global entertainment landscape where ideas can resonate across cultures yet still be distinct. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how both parties present their arguments regarding the similarities and inspirations behind their respective projects.