Green Flag for Akshay Kumar Film, Viacom18 Studios CEO Celebrates Release With 'A' Certificate for 'Oh My God 2'

The Indian film industry has often been a platform for creative expression and artistic exploration, reflecting a wide range of societal issues. One such film, 'Oh My God 2,' centers around the themes of faith and  education, combining a compelling narrative with social commentary. However, it was not without its share of controversies, particularly with the censor board. The film faced objections concerning its portrayal of Akshay Kumar's character as Lord Shiva and its focus on sex education, raising concerns about potentially offending religious sentiments. This article delves into the challenges faced by the makers of 'Oh My God 2' and how they navigated the complex realm of censorship to ensure the film's release.

The Censor Board's Concerns:

Great News.. ❤️‍🔥💥🎉📽💗🌟🎞🤩 Viacom has just confirmed ...few mins back that they will be releasing #OMG2 in cinemas & will do all efforts to reach screens globally on 11th Aug !!! Let the #BoxOffice celebrations begin 🥳🥳🥳... @akshaykumar @TripathiiPankaj@raiamitbabulal… pic.twitter.com/ni7tQdJSqB

— Girish Johar (@girishjohar) August 1, 2023

Upon submission to the censor board, 'Oh My God 2' encountered significant objections, centering primarily around two aspects: the portrayal of Akshay Kumar's character as Lord Shiva and the film's focus on  education. These concerns stemmed from the fear of offending religious sentiments and promoting content deemed inappropriate for certain audience segments.

The Controversial Decision:

Jashn ki taiyaari kari jaaye - #OMG2 all set to release on 11th AugustThe film has been cleared with *no cuts”.#AkshayKumar #PankajTripathi pic.twitter.com/2Q8l0NuFpP

— Joginder Tuteja (@Tutejajoginder) August 1, 2023

In response to the censor board's objections, they proposed more than 20 changes and cuts to the film, ultimately recommending that it be granted an 'A' certificate. The 'A' certificate restricts entry to audiences under 18 years old, indicating that the film contains content that may not be suitable for younger viewers.

A Race Against Time:

#OMG2 gets clearance from Censor Board without any cuts and will release on Aug 11 with 'A' certificate.The trailer of the film is expected to be out in a couple of days. Are you excited?#AkshayKumar #PankajTripathi #YamiGautam @akshaykumar @TripathiiPankaj @yamigautam… pic.twitter.com/mkWys108x2

— Siddharth Kannan (@sidkannan) August 1, 2023

The clash between the film's producers and the censor board sparked uncertainty regarding the film's scheduled release date of 11th August. The makers were initially hesitant to accept the suggested modifications, fearing that it might alter the essence of their creation. Nevertheless, recognizing the importance of reaching a resolution, the filmmakers engaged in rigorous discussions to find a middle ground.

Embracing the Changes:

#AkshayKumar fronted #OMG2 certified ‘A’ by CBFC on 31st July with a runtime of 2 hours 36 min 10 sec. pic.twitter.com/jMbRxc94CU

— Nishit Shaw (@NishitShawHere) July 31, 2023

After much deliberation and soul-searching, the makers of 'Oh My God 2' ultimately decided to embrace the 'A' certificate along with the proposed changes. While they had initially hoped for a U/A certificate (suitable for children accompanied by adults), they acknowledged the importance of maintaining the film's essence while ensuring respect for diverse religious sentiments.

Censor Board's Careful Consideration:

"For a UA certificate, the committee was asking for a lot of cuts. The makers didn’t want to compromise with the sanctity of the film. So they chose to go with an Adults certification but keeping the integrity of the film intact"- Source.#OMG2 #AkshayKumar #PankajTripathi

— $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) August 1, 2023

The censor board's decisions were not made arbitrarily but after careful consideration of the film's subject matter and the potential impact on religious sentiments. It highlights the board's dedication to balance artistic freedom with social responsibility, protecting the sanctity of faith while allowing filmmakers to explore diverse themes.

Viacom18 Studios' CEO Speaks Out:

Happy to share #OMG2 is cleared & we are set for a release on 11th. No major cuts only some changes that are always part of a process. See you at the theatres soon... @akshaykumar @TripathiiPankaj@raiamitbabulal@yamigautam @Viacom18Studios @AshvinVarde

— Ajit Andhare (@AndhareAjit) August 1, 2023

Viacom18 Studios' CEO, Anjit Andhare, expressed his delight on Twitter as the film received the 'A' certificate, securing its release on the scheduled date. He reassured audiences that the modifications were not significant and that such alterations were a regular part of the filmmaking process. This statement aimed to alleviate concerns among fans and reaffirm the film's artistic integrity.

- PTC PUNJABI