Mohit Suri‘s much-awaited romantic drama Saiyaara hit theatres on April 18 and has already become a favorite among fans. Featuring debutants Ahaan Pandey and Anit Padda, the film is being praised not only for its emotional storyline but also for its melodious music that’s trending across social media. With box office earnings touching ₹83 crores in India, Saiyaara is undoubtedly a success.

However, amidst all the praise, several movie buffs have pointed out striking similarities between Saiyaara and the 2004 South Korean film A Moment to Remember, starring Jung Woo-sung and Son Ye-jin. This has sparked speculation that Saiyaara might be an unofficial remake. So, how true is this claim? Let’s explore the parallels between the two films.

1. Troubled Past of the Male Protagonist

In Saiyaara, Ahaan Pandey plays Krish Kapoor — a brooding young man haunted by a troubled childhood and a father struggling with alcoholism. His rage and internal conflict shape his tough personality.

In A Moment to Remember, the male lead Chol Soo also has a painful past. Raised without a mother’s love, he harbors resentment and emotional scars, leading to a rough and guarded nature. The resemblance in their backgrounds is hard to miss.

2. The Heartbreaking Illness

A core element of Saiyaara is the emotional twist that comes when the female lead is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s — a rare condition at such a young age, turning the love story into a deeply emotional journey.

Interestingly, A Moment to Remember follows a very similar plotline. The female protagonist discovers she has Alzheimer’s shortly after marriage. As her memory begins to fade, the story turns into a poignant tale of love and loss.

3. Scenes That Mirror Each Other

There are a few scenes in Saiyaara that seem to directly mirror the Korean film:

• In one moment, Krish meets his love interest’s family, after which she faints — leading to emotional bonding and family acceptance. A nearly identical scene appears in A Moment to Remember.
• Another intense scene in Saiyaara shows Krish confronting and beating up the heroine’s ex — a moment that closely resembles a dramatic encounter in the Korean movie.

While Saiyaara hasn’t been officially declared a remake of A Moment to Remember, the emotional beats, character arcs, and several scenes suggest more than just coincidence. Whether it’s a direct adaptation or heavily inspired, one thing is clear — both films tap into the powerful theme of love standing tall in the face of fading memories.

Fans of heartfelt romantic dramas will find Saiyaara a touching watch — whether or not they’ve seen the Korean classic.