‘Parasite’ May Get Sued For Plagiarism for Allegedly Copying 1999 Film ‘Minsara Kanna’

Thenappan is currently in discussion with lawyers to file a case against the creators of “Parasite,” which recently won four Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards, including the Best Picture award.

 

“I saw the South Korean film Parasite and I feel that they have stolen the film’s crux from Minsara Kanna,” Thenappan told India Today. “I’m in talks with international lawyers and contemplating on filing a case against the makers of Parasite soon.”

Thanappan added that he might file the case either on Monday or Tuesday.

“Minsara Kanna” director, KS Ravikumar, acknowledged the two films’ similarities and expressed that he was happy with the awards “Parasite” received at the Oscars 2020.

“I’m happy that the story has received an Oscar, even if it (Minsara Kanna) served as an inspiration. However, filing a case is up to the producer,” the director said.

Both films follow a similar narrative in which one member of a poor family applies for a job in a wealthy family’s home, later bringing other family members, one by one, to work in the same home.

Some social media users defended “Parasite,” saying that although the films do have similarities, “Minsara Kanna” is still a very different movie.

In an article published by The Hollywood Reporter, “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho reportedly took inspiration from his 20s where his then-girlfriend, now wife, referred him as a math tutor for a rich family.

“They wanted another tutor for math, so she put me forward as a trustworthy friend, even though I was actually really bad at math,” Bong said. “That’s how it works with those jobs. It’s not as if they put out lots of ads looking for domestic help — you’re introduced.”

Feature Image Screenshot via @Hidden_culprit (Left), IGN (Right)