Rating: ★★★☆☆
"OMG 2," a sequel to the thought-provoking satire "OMG – Oh My God!" from 2012, ventures into the realm of societal introspection once again. Directed by Umesh Shukla, the film aims to merge divine intervention with comedy, all while addressing the pressing issue of sex education within the context of organized religion.
Pankaj Tripathi steps into the shoes of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, a devout shopkeeper situated in a Hindu Shiva temple in Ujjain. The movie paints his life against the backdrop of vibrant orange, mirroring the rituals and faith that define his existence. However, tranquility is disrupted when his son, Vivek, finds himself embroiled in a scandal stemming from a masturbation video that has gone viral. Vivek's harrowing struggle with guilt and his subsequent suicide attempts set the stage for Kanti's pursuit of justice and societal transformation.
Enter Akshay Kumar, portraying a divine messenger whose arrival propels Kanti into the corridors of justice. Guided by his steadfast faith and the wisdom of the enigmatic fakir, Kanti takes on the legal battle against the school responsible for his son's humiliation. The courtroom becomes the battleground for Kanti's fight not only for his son's dignity but also for the normalization of comprehensive sex education within Indian society. Throughout the narrative, the film deftly weaves moments of humor and introspection, leveraging ancient Indian texts to challenge deeply rooted taboos.
In terms of performances, Pankaj Tripathi brings his signature charm and depth to the character of Kanti. His portrayal effortlessly blends sincerity and wry humor, encapsulating the essence of a father's determination. Akshay Kumar's portrayal of the divine emissary adds a whimsical layer to the story. His character's use of humor and gentle guidance is a refreshing and unique angle, serving as a catalyst for Kanti's transformation from a humble devotee to a determined crusader for change.
While the film excels in its performances and the infusion of spirituality into the narrative, it does grapple with its own narrative coherence. At times, the blend of comedy and socio-cultural commentary can dilute the film's central message. Furthermore, the incident that triggers the plot—the video going viral due to Vivek's attempts to enhance his anatomy—seems jarring in the context of the larger themes being addressed. The film's handling of women's perspectives and their experiences in the face of such societal expectations is a notable omission, particularly given the film's focus on sex education.
The film's dialogue, however, is one of its strong suits. It skillfully employs ancient Indian philosophical insights to underscore Kanti's arguments, cleverly juxtaposing tradition with modern societal challenges. The courtroom drama aspect of the film is well-executed, with Yami Gautam Dhar and Pavan Malhotra delivering commendable performances that add depth to the film's discourse.
"OMG 2" grapples with tonal inconsistency, occasionally unsure whether to fully embrace its socio-cultural critique or its comedic elements. This leads to moments where the narrative's impact could have been more potent. The film's attempts at humor, often centered around sexual terms and euphemisms, might not resonate with all audiences, potentially undermining its overarching message.
In conclusion, "OMG 2" stands as a sincere attempt to explore the significance of sex education in Indian schools and the broader cultural context. Pankaj Tripathi's compelling performance, coupled with the infusion of Hindu mythology, lends the film a distinct charm. However, its uneven tone and narrative choices prevent it from fully realizing its potential. While the movie succeeds in raising pertinent questions, it occasionally struggles to strike the right balance between entertainment and earnest commentary.