The Lost Bus Faces Plagiarism Claims Over Salaar Score Similarities

A new controversy has emerged online as fans of Prabhas’ blockbuster ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’ accused Hollywood’s upcoming film ‘The Lost Bus’ of copying its background score. The debate erupted after fans noticed striking similarities between the music used in The Lost Bus promo and Salaar’s original soundtrack composed by Ravi Basrur.

The promotional video, titled “The Lost Bus – An Inside Look,” was released on YouTube as part of the film’s marketing campaign. Around the 1:10 mark, fans pointed out a musical segment that closely mirrors a piece from Salaar’s score.

Fans Spot Similarities and React Online

Social media platforms quickly lit up with comparisons. One fan wrote, “Hollywood copied our darling Prabhas’ Salaar BGM!” while another added, “From 1:13 onwards, it’s clearly the same score.”

Some users even noted stylistic resemblances between the promo visuals and Prashanth Neel’s distinctive directorial approach in Salaar. However, others speculated that the background score might have been used solely for promotional purposes and may not appear in the final film.

Composer Credit and Industry Reactions

While the promo credits do not specify who created the background track, The Lost Bus’s official score has been composed by James Newton Howard, the acclaimed Hollywood composer known for King Kong, The Village, and The Dark Knight. As of now, neither the film’s team nor Salaar’s makers have issued a statement regarding the similarities.

About the Films

Directed by Prashanth Neel and produced by Hombale Films, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire stars Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Shruti Haasan. The film became a massive success for its gripping action, world-building, and intense background score.

Meanwhile, The Lost Bus (2025), directed by Paul Greengrass and co-written with Brad Ingelsby, is adapted from Lizzie Johnson’s non-fiction book “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.” The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and will stream globally on Apple TV+ starting October 3.

Conclusion

While the alleged resemblance between The Lost Bus and Salaar remains unconfirmed, the discussion highlights how Indian cinema’s influence is increasingly making its mark on global entertainment. Whether coincidental or intentional, the debate reflects the growing recognition of South Indian film music on the world stage.