OMG 2 review: Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi shine but Paresh Rawal’s absence hurts

OMG proved to be one of the finest films of 2012.  It featured top-notch performances from Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. The dynamics between the two helped the film’s message connect with the audience. OMG 2, which opened in theatres on August 11, is a sequel to the comedy-drama. It, however, features Pankaj Tripathi instead of Paresh Rawal. Akshay, who played Lord Krishna in the first part, essays the role of a messenger of Lord Shiva this time around. 

OMG 2 made headlines prior to its release when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared it with an 'A' certificate after 27 modifications. The team then clarified that the film would shed light on an 'important' issue. So, did OMG 2 live up to this promise and prove to be a worthy successor to OMG?

2 things you need to know

• OMG 2 is directed by Amit Rai. 
• OMG 2 explores the importance of sex education in school curricula.

Hot take

The makers of OMG 2 need to be lauded for dealing with the subject of sex education, which is perceived to be a taboo issue by certain sections of society. The film also tries to come out of its prequel’s shadow by focusing on an aastik rather than a nastik. While the effort pays off to some extent, one ends up missing Paresh Rawal nonetheless. Pankaj Tripathi, despite his compelling performance, fails to add gravity to the sequel the way the Hungama 2 actor had done in the first film. This, however, has more to do with the veteran’s brilliance rather than the Mirzapur star’s limitations.

Does OMG 2 live up to the hype?

OMG 2 revolves around Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Tripathi), a caring father and staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.  He comes from a humble background where sex is considered to be a taboo subject. Kanti receives a shock when his son (Aarush Varma) is expelled from school for indulging in an "immoral" act. He is deeply disappointed in him and makes the same known to him. Kanti, however, has a change of heart after meeting a Shiva devotee (Akshay Kumar). Following this, he decides to fight for his son and make a case for including sex education in the school curriculum. 

A watchable underdog saga

OMG 2 plays out as an underdog saga that pits a simpleton against a system that is not open to discussing sex education. A film sets in this space only if it features a relatable protagonist. This is where OMG 2 succeeds. The opening sequences manage to give viewers a closer look at how Kanti’s world revolves around his family. His scenes with his son and wife (Geeta Agarwal.) feel realistic and touching. OMG 2, as the trailer suggested, features a liberal dose of humour. The punches have situational appeal and manage to tickle the funny bone. The makers steer clear of double-meaning dialogues and vulgarity. This is no mean feat given the film’s subject. 

(Akshay Kumar's look in OMG 2 has garnered attention.Image: Instagram/Akshay Kumar)

Courtroom sequences are a mixed bag

The courtroom sequences, unsurprisingly, are the backbone of OMG 2. They, however, prove to be a mixed bag. The dynamics between Pankaj and Yami Gautam are not as compelling as they could have been. While Pankaj is good, the actress doesn’t make the desired impact. As a result, their exchanges often fall flat.  This makes it difficult for viewers to take her as a serious threat to Pankaj’s character, which dilutes the film’s impact. 

Akshay Kumar’s stellar screen presence, however, makes up for this shortcoming. He is a delight to watch and hits a home run with each dialogue. ‘Kachori dekh ke khaana’ is inarguably the pick of the lot. It is, however, the hospital sequence between him and Pankaj Tripathi in the second half that proves to be the best moment from OMG 2.  

Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi shine

Coming to the performances, Akshay Kumar is the scene-stealer of OMG 2. Everything about him, right from the long-haired look to his body language, is right as rain. He adds some much-needed star power to OMG 2.

(Akshay Kumar plays a Shiva devotee/messenger in OMG 2. Image: Instagram)

Pankaj Tripathi is sincere in a role that has shades of his character from Criminal Justice. His work here may also remind one of what he did in Kaagaz (2020) and Gunjan Saxena (2020).  Yami Gautam’s performance is passable but the character comes across as too one-dimensional. The supporting cast, which features names like Pavan Malhotra and Bijendra Kala, serves their purpose.

Did OMG 2 deserve an A certificate?

The CBFC's decision to grant an A certificate had not gone down well with a section of the audience. It, however, does not come across as the wrong one after watching the movie. OMG 2 addresses issues that affect teenagers. The aim, however, is to show how parents can help their children break the taboo around sex. As such, the target audience is adults. Moreover, references to masturbation and private parts can be misinterpreted by kids if they watch OMG 2 without some supervision. 

Watch it or skip it?

OMG 2 deserves a watch despite its shortcomings merely for trying to highlight a relevant issue in a sensitive manner without compromising on the entertainment quotient. Akshay Kumar's never-seen-before avatar is the icing on the cake. That said, one gets the feeling that OMG 2 would have worked better if the Khiladi had more screen time. 

The Bottomline

OMG 2 has its heart in the right place. It does not try to sensationalise the issue of sex education. Moreover, there's no attempt to shock viewers with bold content. This makes it a respectable sequel to OMG even though it does not exceed the standards set by it.

Rating: 3/5