Parasite Plagiarism Claim by Indian Production Company: "Bong Joon-ho, Explain by the 26th"

Director Bong Joon-ho is answering questions from the press at the official press conference for the film Parasite held on the 19th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] An Indian film production company claiming that director Bong Joon-ho's movie 'Parasite' plagiarized their film has demanded an explanation from Bong by the 26th.

On the 19th (local time), according to Indian media India Today, PL Thenappan, the producer of 'Minsara Kanna,' sent a certified letter to director Bong and the producers of 'Parasite,' requesting an explanation. They also warned that if there is no response to the legal notice by the 26th, they will take legal action.

Earlier, PL Thenappan raised plagiarism allegations against 'Parasite,' stating, "The basic plot of 'Parasite' was taken from our film," and "The most important parts were stolen." The setting where the entire family members disguise themselves to get employed at a wealthy household is a plot unique to 'Minsara Kanna.'

Director Ravikumar, who directed 'Minsara Kanna,' said, "I haven't seen 'Parasite' yet, but it's very pleasing that 'Minsara Kanna' inspired an Oscar-winning film," and avoided commenting on the plagiarism lawsuit, saying, "That is the production company's responsibility."

'Minsara Kanna' is a film about a young man who falls in love in Germany with the younger sister of a millionaire and returns to India together, planning to enter the woman's house.