The stupendous hit, 'Golmaal Returns', has landed itself in the midst of a controversy, and faces plagiarism charges, with Shakuntala Bhatia claiming that the film is based on her late husband director-producer Rajendra Bhatia's 1973 film, 'Aaj Ki Tazaa Khabar.'

Shakuntala Bhatia has filed a complaint with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association claiming a compensation of Rs 5 crore from the producers, Shree Ashtavinayak Cine-vision.

However, Rohit Shetty says that he is neither aware of the similarities between the two films, nor has he received any legal notification, from the widow of the earlier film's producer who has made copyright-infringement claims.

Shetty says if he knew anything about the similarity he would have happily paid up, as the copyright compensation would have amounted to a few lakhs, which for a film with a muti-crore budget was hardly anything.

In addition, Shetty pointed out that the rights of a Gujarati stage play had been bought to make the first part of 'Golmaal'; and that he went through all the legitimate channels to remake 'Sunday' from a Telugu film.

Shetty also says: "Even 'Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar', I'm told is inspired by a couple of plays including a French play. It's my friend Paritosh Painter who pointed this out to me."

As far as his plans for making 'Golmaal 3' are concerned, Shetty replies in the affirmative, adding: "This time it's an original idea. I want to give myself a break before starting Golmaal 3."