The highly anticipated release of ‘OMG 2’, the sequel to the hit film ‘Oh My God (2012)’, has stirred up both excitement and disappointment among fans and the cast. The film stars the dynamic trio of Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi, and Yami Gautam, presenting a compelling narrative centered around a common man’s quest for justice. Pankaj Tripathi, known for his nuanced performances, expressed his surprise and dismay when the film was granted an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India. In an exclusive group media interaction, he candidly shared his thoughts, stating, “This film receiving an ‘A’ rating was unexpected for us. We didn’t anticipate this outcome while creating the movie.” The disappointment stems from the fact that this rating places a barrier for the film to reach its intended audience, particularly the age group of 12 to 17 years, who won’t be able to experience the story’s impactful message.
Tripathi went on to commend the more lenient certification process in the UAE, where ‘OMG 2’ received a 12+ rating without any cuts. He proposed a thoughtful solution for the Indian certification system, suggesting the introduction of a category between ‘U/A’ (Universal/Adult) and ‘A’ (Adult), catering to a wider range of audiences. Drawing attention to recent legislative amendments in the cinematograph sector, he voiced hope that similar changes could be implemented in the certification process, creating a more inclusive landscape for filmmakers and viewers alike. As the film navigates the theatres amidst heightened anticipation, it’s gearing up for a box-office clash with another eagerly awaited sequel, ‘Gadar 2’, starring Sunny Deol. With Pankaj Tripathi’s candid disappointment and his call for a nuanced certification framework, the conversation around ‘OMG 2’ takes on new dimensions, echoing broader discussions on film censorship and accessibility.
