CAST: Pankaj Tripathi, Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, Aarush Verma
DIRECTOR: Amit Rai
In a film that masterfully blends social commentary with humor, Amit Rai crafts a captivating narrative starring Pankaj Tripathi and Akshay Kumar. In a nation where discussions about sex and adult content are rampant, why does the topic of sex education in schools remain off-limits? Despite India’s association with the Kamasutra, why is there a reluctance among parents and educators to discuss sex candidly with the younger generation? Why is the reproductive chapter in biology textbooks often glossed over? “OMG 2” addresses these questions, infusing humor throughout to ensure the film remains engaging without becoming preachy. Director-writer Amit Rai approaches the topic of sex education with sensitivity and seriousness, avoiding any crass or inappropriate undertones.
The story revolves around Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Pankaj Tripathi), a devout shopkeeper near a temple, a loving husband, and a dedicated father. His world is turned upside down when his son Vivek (Aarush Verma) is hospitalized due to complications from excessive masturbation (referred to colloquially as ‘selfie’). Further turmoil ensues when a video of Vivek’s act in the school restroom goes viral, leading to his expulsion for indecent behavior.
In an attempt to protect his family’s reputation, Kanti contemplates fleeing. However, divine intervention arrives in the form of a celestial guide (Akshay Kumar), who steers him toward standing up for his son. Recognizing that Vivek’s actions stem from a lack of proper information, Kanti challenges the school and various societal figures in court. Here, he faces off against the eloquent lawyer Kamini Maheshwari (Yami Gautam), with Judge Purushotam Nagar (Pavan Malhotra) presiding over the case.
Amit Rai’s bold and nuanced screenplay shines brightly, elevating a socially significant narrative. He doesn’t shy away from addressing issues head-on. For instance, the film questions why society often resorts to slang or euphemisms instead of using anatomically correct terms like ‘penis’ and ‘vagina’.
In a memorable scene, Tripathi advocates for proper sex education by using the terms ‘ling’ for penis and ‘Stree ki yoni’ for vagina, and it’s presented in a manner that doesn’t feel awkward. “OMG 2” earnestly endeavors to bridge the communication gap between Indian parents and their children on topics of intimacy. The film’s progressive stance, conveyed through its characters and impactful dialogues, resonates deeply with the audience. Rai’s decision to avoid unnecessary subplots and concentrate on the central theme of sex education is commendable.
Beyond its powerful script, “OMG 2” is undeniably Pankaj Tripathi’s show. He effortlessly anchors the film with his stellar performance. While Akshay Kumar provides commendable support in his significant cameo, it’s Tripathi who captivates the audience. Every word he utters, every gesture he makes, is imbued with such depth and precision that it’s a treat to watch. His mastery of the language is unparalleled, though occasionally, the intricate Hindi dialogues can be overwhelming. However, he adeptly simplifies them, ensuring the narrative remains accessible.
Yami, portraying the formidable defense attorney, delivers a compelling performance, especially during the courtroom sequences. Akshay, in his role as a divine messenger (initially intended to be Lord Shiva but modified after CBFC revisions), is nothing short of splendid. His dreadlocks, celestial smile, and harem pants exude divine charisma. A standout moment is the pre-interval Shivratri sequence where Kumar performs a mesmerizing tandav dance. What’s commendable is that, despite his star stature and commanding screen presence, Kumar never overshadows Tripathi. Instead, he complements and amplifies their shared scenes, allowing Tripathi to consistently shine.
Advancing the “OMG” series, this new installment introduces a fresh narrative while retaining certain elements from the first film. Themes like divine guidance prompting a devotee to stand up for his rights, the courtroom setting, a pivotal hospital scene leading up to the climax, and the emphasis on ancient literature as a source of wisdom and answers, all echo the essence of the original movie.
