If you live in India and follow films even a little bit then on 11th August you were in one of two boats – Gadar 2 or OMG 2. Or you took a different boat altogether in the form of Jailer. Well, box office reports will suggest that most of you were overloading the Gadar 2 boat while a handful of you boarded OMG 2. As a cinephile and fellow filmmaker, I wanted to watch both. However, first I went to watch OMG 2 simply because of the controversy around the sequel. 27 cuts and an ‘A’ rating? My god, what have the makers made? Despite this the film managed to open on a decent note and has sustained itself against the juggernauts like Gadar 2 and Jailer. Having seen it, I want to express my thoughts regarding the film. Is it worth watching or not?
OMG 2 Review: A Delightful Experience!
HOC Rating – ★★★
As we all know the sequel has no connection to the first film. It is a conceptually similar film hence the title. The issue addressed in this film is also quite different than the first. In my opinion, this is quintessential Hindi cinema. A simple story told through comedy with a social issue at its core, driven by powerful performances. The screenplay is apt with Akshay Kumar’s god like figure appearing only at moments of desperation. It doesn’t feel like a deus ex machina as it is a divine intervention. So yes, god is helping our protagonist but in suggestive ways.
The dialogues are funny as it is situational comedy but the real force behind the film is Pankaj Tripathi who sells us the comedy, the pure Hindi dialogues and the absurdity of the situation. I don’t think there is any other person who could’ve pulled off this role. Akshay Kumar’s divine presence is a nice touch with many references to Lord Shiv. The emotional chord that the film strikes is its biggest accomplishment. The masturbation issue is handled with care and sensitivity. This film is not something that redefines cinema. It uses many generic mediums to tell it’s story as well but you can ignore that because you’re invested in the story.
OMG 2 Review: Lack Of Evidence?
This is something that I would like to address. The entire premise of the film is how Indian history and education always gave importance to sex education. However, the proofs presented to show this are minimum. The film doesn’t delve too deep into it. Kaamshastra mentioned in the film is also interepreted as controlling your sexual needs in Hindu religion. So, if OMG 2 would’ve shown proof that told us what was the sex education taught in India then I think the argument presented would’ve been less filmy and more real.
OMG 2 Review: Why Censor Board Why?
Many moments in this film feel and off pacing wise. Sometimes it appears as if the flow of the edit breaks from time to time. This is because our censor board has made 27 cuts to the film. So many dialogues are dubbed over and it is so noticeable. This has also resulted in many sequences not making sense or losing impact. When Akshay Kumar’s character reveals his god avatar, there is an explanation given in the background which tells us even if he is not Lord Shiv why does he look like him. The impact and purity of the moment was lost. This film is for teenagers and ironically they can’t watch it because of the A rating.
This strict stance from the censor board is due to the debacle that was Adipurush. The backlash faced by that film is the reason why the board doesn’t want a similar situation on their hands. I can say one thing for sure, OMG 2 isn’t insulting the Hindu religion. Adipurush comes across as a mockery. I watched the film in a small town and no one was uncomfortable to hear sex and religion together under context.
Verdict
Altogether, OMG 2 is a solid film which says what it wants to openly and does a pretty good job of presenting a narrative that highlights a social issue without making it seem like a lecture. I’ll rate OMG 2 3 out of 5 stars. Watch it in theatres if you can.
OMG 2 is currently playing in theatres near you.
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