Review: 'OMG 2' tackles a tabooed concept with finesse to make it palatable thus starting a conversation

OMG 2

Director: Amit Rai

Actors: Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi, Yami Gautam Dhar, Pavan Malhotra, Govind Namdev, Arun Govil, Brijendra Kala

After the momentous success of Oh My God (OMG) over a decade ago, comes OMG 2 - which seems to be evolving with time as it tackles a concept that is sacred to an extent that it isn't talked about at all - sex education in schools and otherwise. Riding a thin line with the subject and having a messenger of God in contention, the film has a lot to offer.

Having had the chance to see it, here's what I thought about it-

The Plot

The film revolves around Kanti Sharan Mudgal, a devotee of Lord Shiva, a loving father, husband, and responsible citizen. Kanti’s son Vivek, who is a teenager, knows very little about life or sex or hormonal changes. An episode of masturbation in school takes a toll on his mental health and he even tries to commit suicide.

Surrounded by all sides, Kanti and his family decide to skip town as they don’t see any other way out of this dire situation.

When all hope and fighting spirit is lost, Lord Shiva sends his messenger (Akshay Kumar) to stand by the family in tough times and bring them out of the situation.

Lord Shiva’s messenger guides and motivates Kanti to to fight for the honor of his son and the misconception revolving around sex, and people who misinform and misguide young minds. What follows next, makes the entire story of OMG 2.

The Concept - Two Way Street

The topic of sex education continues to be taboo in India even today and even more so with budding teenagers, who are curious and intrigued. OMG 2 dabbles around the same and with Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva's messenger dropping nuskhe (advice & solutions in forms of riddles), it is made palatable. That was exactly where the original OMG shined as well where it made things easier to grasp; even though OMG 2 isn't exactly spot on with that, it still gives you plenty of moments to understand and be educated while being entertained.

But the same topic becomes a two-way street where owing to it being still immensely tabooed, the third act resorts to convenience over organic developments. In an attempt to prove the point, it ends up working with bullet points in a way showing the impact Kanti Mudgal's case had without much exposure. 

The Humor, Hidden References & Nostalgia

OMG was a social satire with a few nuggets of humor here and there but mainly powered by Paresh Rawal's formidable performance. With OMG 2, the makers resort to almost consistent humor and understandably so, owing to the subject matter at hand. And that works. Apart from that, there are some rather clever Easter Eggs in the context of sex education itself and the real-world situation of the film clashing with Gadar 2. And finally, the nostalgia! Almost the entire third act of the film is a basic recreation of OMG and that is a good way to have the audience feel nostalgic and yet be invested in the film itself.

The Performances

Pankaj Tripathi steals the show with his portrayal of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, while Yami Gautam Dhar as prosecutor Kamini, also delivers a praiseworthy performance. While Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva’s messenger is integral to the proceedings of the story and performances with utmost grace.

Senior actor Pavan Malhotra as a judge. Govind Namdev as Pujari, Arun Govil as the school owner, and Bijendra Kala as a doctor do justice to their respective parts.

The Verdict

In the end, OMG 2 is a conversation starter, a bold step in the direction to have to talk about and teach sex education being normalised and more so, essential. There are enough moments of humor, fun, cinematic liberties, monologues and etched-out scenes to have you entertained and probably talk about it with others.

Rating - ***1/2 (3.5/5)