“OMG 2” Movie Review: “A film that provokes an important conversation and has heart at the right place!”

The directorial venture of Amit Rai, OMG 2, carries its heart in the right place, aiming to highlight the significance of sex education in schools and educational institutions, all wrapped in a cheeky courtroom drama. While at times the movie drifts into irrational territory, the robust subject, coupled with genuine performances, makes the Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi starrer both enlightening and entertaining.

Centered around Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Pankaj Tripathi), a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva who runs a humble shop near the Mahakal temple, the story takes a sharp turn when his son, Vivek (Aarush Varma), becomes the subject of a viral video, captured masturbating in the school washroom as a means of public humiliation by his bullies. This incident results in his expulsion from school, bringing ridicule upon Kanti’s family from their surroundings. As Kanti contemplates fleeing the city, driven by societal shame and his son’s deteriorating mental state, an unexpected savior enters – a messenger of the divine (Akshay Kumar). Guiding Kanti on the right path, it’s Kanti who truly grasps the message and takes charge. Filing a defamation case against his son’s school, Kanti demands an apology and his son’s readmission, arguing that the ordeal is a result of the school’s failure to provide comprehensive education. However, he faces a formidable opponent in the form of the strong-willed lawyer, Kamini Maheshwari (Yami Gautam).

Director Amit Rai adeptly conveys the sensitive message through the courtroom setting. Addressing the historical importance of studying reproductive organs and Kamasutra in India, juxtaposed with the existing taboo on sex education, the film provokes thought. It endeavors to normalize conversations between parents, teachers, and children regarding appropriate sexual behavior. Touching on topics like good and bad touch, taboos surrounding reproductive organ size, prostitution, breastfeeding, and the dangerous market of fraudulent masculinity boosting remedies, the script seamlessly incorporates these significant messages through dialogues and sequences.

Yet, the film stumbles in its exaggerated courtroom scenes. The attempt to infuse parody and humor renders the courtroom sequences illogical and implausible. From Kanti’s unexpectedly proficient legal skills to a judge (Pavan Malhotra) capturing a selfie in the courtroom, these moments appear farfetched. Though stereotypes mark the portrayal of antagonists, OMG 2 avoids becoming overly preachy.

In the performance arena, Pankaj Tripathi shines brightest. His portrayal of Kanti is yet another tour de force, balancing intensity, sensitivity, and vulnerability. Kanti remains an engaging character, and Tripathi’s performance resonates powerfully. While Akshay Kumar tries to do justice to his brief cameo, it lacks the impact of his earlier role as Shree Krishna. Yami Gautam delivers admirably but struggles to exude the menace her character demands. Aarush Varma, as Kanti’s son Vivek, delivers an impactful performance as the helpless and shattered young boy. The supporting cast, including Pavan Malhotra, Govind Namdev, Arun Govil, Brijendra Kala, Simran Sharma, and others, also contribute effectively.

The film’s songs pale in comparison to the original film, with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ being the standout. Cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhury skillfully captures the temple and courtroom sequences. Technically this film works. Overall, OMG 2 is a film that provokes conversation and that’s why it is an important film, despite some flaws. It is a pivotal subject that requires vocalization. Furthermore, this film is a delight for the fans of Pankaj Tripathi.

3.5 out of 5