Introduction:
OMG was a straightforward commentary on the ills of religiosity and religious beliefs and was also marketed like that. But, when OMG 2’s trailer dropped, the audiences were left wondering what exactly the movie was about. All they could see was a court case, a pujari and yet another form of god landing on earth to protect a man from the traps of blind faith. So, what was OMG 2 actually about? What is the fuss? And what is the court case shown in the movie? To put it in simply; it’s a movie to educate the masses about the importance of sex education.
A loving world of a theist family suddenly turns blasphemous when Vivek; Mr and Mrs Mudgal’s son becomes the talk of the town. This happens when some co-students film and circulate his video of masturbating in the school’s washroom. Sadly, instead of investigating who these students were and trying to teach kids the abc of sex and related issues, the principal decides to take an easy road and rusticates Vivek.
After a few slaps, some insults from gossiping neighbours and attempts at escaping, Mr Mudgal finds help in an incarnation of Shiv Garh played by Akshay Kumar. The movie then moves forward with the court case, its consequences, an accident and finally the verdict
The Craft:
The scenes in the courtroom aren’t very tense. Although, one can feel Mr Mudgal’s lack of law knowledge through the screen with Pankaj Tripathi’s spot on delivery. But, you always know he is going to find a way out before he actually does, not leaving much room for suspense. A relieving factor, was the closing statements by both the parties fighting the case. Neither of them delivered an emotional monologue, rather, it was kept straightforward.
Akshay Kumar as the Shiv Garh has delivered basic yet essential words of upliftment in a very subtle endearing way. Yami Gautam’s confidence and energy shines as the respondent lawyer. Some veterans such as Arun Govil, Pavan Malhotra, Brijendra Kala have portrayed their brief yet significant roles with a lot of honesty. Here Geeta Aggarwal’s role has also ben the definition of short and sweet. But, Aarush Varma who played Vivek has made himself seen amid the acting brilliance he is surrounded by. Vivek is vulnerable and scared of things that are happening with and around him. And that is what adds to the actuality of the story.
Verdict:
With the writing and direction of Amit Rai, OMG 2 is a commendable attempt at satirising the situation of sex-education in India. However, the question still remains. The question here is for at the censor board. The question is ‘Who is the message impacting? The adults who have already made their minds about the issue the film is trying to raise? Or the kids like Vivek, his classmates and friends? The teenagers who are seeking the knowledge are unfortunately not getting it at the right place. And when cinema tries to impart it with all the entertainment, it is barred from reaching them.
The hope somehow now lies on the shoulders of the OTT it will be released on (as per the news) and by the time we can do what Kanti Sharan Mudgal said, talk about it ‘khulke.’
