“Akshay Kumar’s ‘Oh My God 2’ Under Censor Board’s Microscope to Sidestep ‘Adipurush’ Controversy”

In an attempt to sidestep potential controversy, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has steered ‘Oh My God 2’ (OMG 2), the anticipated Hindi film featuring Akshay Kumar and Yami Gautam, towards a detailed review. This move occurred on July 12, 2023, and is a customary action by the Censor Board to stave off predicaments akin to the recent furore around ‘Adipurush’.

The Censor Board officer was keen to clarify that their mandate does not extend to outright film bans. Instead, if a film stumbles upon objections, the certification may be withheld, nudging filmmakers to remodel the content in question.

During the multi-tiered certification procedure, a minimum of seven members, including the Regional Officer and a gender-diverse team, peruse the film. Following the Examining Committee’s assessment, the Review Committee provides its critical analysis.

‘Oh My God 2’, whetting the audience’s appetite with its freshly released teaser, incited a range of reactions. The film, placing Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva and Pankaj Tripathi as a devoted follower, delves into divine and human interaction reminiscent of its predecessor. While the teaser charmed many, it also spurred some objections over scenes depicting the anointing of Lord Shiva, which some claimed hurt their sentiments.

Viacom India, the production house behind ‘Oh My God 2’, has maintained a guarded silence regarding the Censor Board’s decision to extend the review, with other film stakeholders adopting a similar reticence.

The notable case of ‘Adipurush’ provides a backdrop to this caution. Directed by Om Raut, ‘Adipurush’ came under fire for its dialogues and sub-par visual effects (VFX), prompting the creators to revamp the film and issue an apology.

While the contentious parts of ‘Oh My God 2’ that have caught the Censor Board’s attention remain undisclosed, the film will undergo the Review Committee’s scrutiny before a decision on certification is made.

Helmed by Amit Rai, ‘Oh My God 2’ stars a stellar cast, with Akshay Kumar embodying Lord Shiva, and prominent actors like Yami Gautam, Pankaj Tripathi, and Arun Govil who famously depicted Lord Rama in the TV series ‘Ramayan.’ The film is slated to hit the screens on August 11. The ultimate effect of the Censor Board’s review on the film’s content and its release date remains in suspense.