Director Amit Rai’s Ambition to Reach All Audiences Crushed by CBFC’s ‘A’ Certification for “OMG 2”
“OMG 2,” bore witness to an astonishing display of public interest and engagement.
In a twist of fate that left Director Amit Rai disheartened, his fervent desire to bring his latest cinematic creation, “OMG 2,” to a diverse audience was thwarted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). With a handful of modifications and an ‘A’ certificate in tow, the film’s reach was relegated to a mature audience, leaving the filmmaker grappling with a sense of unfulfilled aspirations.
The Hindi film industry was abuzz with anticipation as “OMG 2,” boasting an ensemble cast led by the formidable Pankaj Tripathi and the charismatic Akshay Kumar, took centre stage. The narrative delved into the intricate fabric of adolescent experiences, traversing through a gamut of themes, most notably shedding light on the oft-neglected topic of sex education. Fans and movie enthusiasts awaited the film’s release with bated breath, ready to embark on a cinematic journey that promised both entertainment and enlightenment.
As the clock ticked away towards August 11, the movie’s release date, director Amit Rai’s enthusiasm was palpable.The CBFC, tasked with the responsibility of certifying films for public viewing in India, exercised its authority over “OMG 2.” The board’s decision to grant the film an ‘A’ certificate, indicating that it was suitable only for adult audiences, struck a chord of disappointment in the director’s heart. The implications of this certification were clear: the film’s accessibility would be significantly limited, as it could now be viewed only by individuals who had reached a certain age threshold.
Yet, despite this setback, the filmmaker’s spirit remained unbroken. While he may have been disheartened by the CBFC’s verdict, Amit Rai found solace in the fact that his creation was still destined to make its mark. His belief in the power of storytelling and the relevance of the themes explored in “OMG 2” remained steadfast. The director’s resolute determination was soon to be vindicated by a most unexpected source—the audience itself.
“OMG 2” made its debut on the cinematic stage on August 11, and the subsequent days bore witness to an astonishing display of public interest and engagement. As the film’s narrative unfolded on the silver screen, it struck a chord with audiences across the nation. The themes that had compelled Amit Rai to conceive and craft the movie resonated with viewers, sparking conversations and reflections on the subjects that had been brought to the forefront.
The reaction of the audience was unprecedented and heartwarming, leading the makers of “OMG 2” to announce a remarkable milestone on August 20. The film had amassed a staggering box office collection of Rs 101.61 crore in just ten days since its release. This triumph was not just a vindication of the director’s unwavering belief in his creation but also a testament to the power of cinema to transcend barriers and connect with individuals from all walks of life.
While the CBFC’s certification had initially imposed a limitation on the film’s audience, it inadvertently created a sense of intrigue and curiosity among those excluded by the ‘A’ rating. As discussions around the film’s themes and impact proliferated, interest in “OMG 2” grew exponentially. This curiosity manifested itself in the form of numerous moviegoers eager to explore the film’s narrative firsthand, regardless of the certification’s restrictions.
As the box office figures continued to climb, it became evident that Amit Rai’s aspiration of reaching a wide-ranging audience had indeed materialized, albeit in a manner he hadn’t initially envisioned. The film’s ‘A’ certification, far from being a hindrance, had become a catalyst for generating buzz and driving interest. Audiences of all ages found themselves drawn to the film’s poignant exploration of adolescent experiences, realizing that the themes tackled were not confined to a specific age group.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 22nd August 2023
