As Rajkumar Hirani is planning a sequel, titled Munnabhai Meets Mahatma Gandhi, to his 2003 hit comedy Munnabhai MBBS, the allegations of plagiarism are tarnishing his image.

According to one 26-year-old screenwriter, Ajay Gupta, Hirani's sequel is a complete lift-off from his he'd left behind at Chopra's office earlier this year.

Says Gupta, "I have been working on a film called Gandhi And The Kid where the kid in question is a 20-year-old cool dude. I had given out my concept sheet at several places including Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions for their perusal in April. Next I hear is that they're making a film called Munnabhai Meets Mahatma Gandhi."

While Hirani rubbishes Gupta's claim as a "cheap publicity stunt", the aspiring filmmaker says he has filed a complaint with the Film Writers' Association and plans to take "legal action if needed."

Hirani's was initially planning to develop Munnabhai LLB concept, which was shelved later.