Golmaal Returns faces plagiarism charges

Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Returns is in the middle of a controversy with Shakuntala Bhatia claiming that the film is based on her late husband director-producer Rajendra Bhatia's film, Aaj Ki Tazaa Khabar (1973). She 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. Rohit says, "The fact is we don't know who to pay.

Tusshar's teacher Vikas Kadam (for the deaf and dumb skills) is a stage guy who told us that even Aaj Ki Tazaa Khabar had been adapted from a regional play which in turn, was also inspired from a French film. We didn't know whom the rights existed with. For the first Golmaal we had bought the rights of the Gujarati play Aflatoon, so why shouldn't we with GR?"

Rohit's already planning Golmaal 3. He laughs, "Yes, but this time it's an original idea. I want to give myself a break before starting Golmaal 3." And do we get to see Tusshar Kapoor finally getting his voice back as we saw at the climax of GR? "No way! Tusshar will never get his voice back. He's the USP of the film and kids love him.

I think Tusshar and Shreyas rocked in Golmaal Returns. When people try to change a successful formula, it doesn't work any more. The climax was an impromptu one which we shot at our last. Tusshar getting his voice back wasn't part of the script!"

Meanwhile the director is on a high and has decided to fulfill wife Maya's every whim. He's just come back from a trip to Ambby Valley with his family (Maya and son Ishaan) and now he's taking her to Dubai in January. Rohit says, "I am very happy with the success of Golmaal Returns and want to indulge my wife's every whim. I took her and my kid to Amby Valley for a short holiday but she wants to go to Dubai for the Shopping Festival so I am gifting her that holiday."