In a recent interview, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap expressed his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the certification of the movie "OMG 2" and the subsequent backlash faced by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Amit Rai, stars Yami Gautam and Akshay Kumar in prominent roles, aiming to shed light on the importance of sex education in schools.
The CBFC awarded an "A" certificate to "OMG 2," a decision that stirred up debate among the producers who had initially hoped for a "U/A" certification. The CBFC's cautious approach in certifying the film is said to be influenced by recent incidents, such as the controversy that surrounded the release of "Adipurush," which led to post-release alterations of the film due to public protests.
Anurag Kashyap's views on the certification row were forthright. He emphasized that regardless of the certification, the true intentions of a film would eventually reach the audience. He also remarked that it's inevitable for some people to take offense, suggesting that "random people will always get offended by random things." He highlighted the necessity for the CBFC to work on their system, addressing the criticism that they were easily offended and thin-skinned.
"OMG 2" is a sequel to the 2012 film "OMG - Oh My God!" directed by Umesh Shukla. The first installment featured Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar in lead roles, revolving around a businessman's courtroom challenge against insurance companies invoking the term "act of God." In the sequel, Akshay Kumar reprises his role as Krishna, while Yami Gautam portrays a lawyer. The movie's release on August 11 aimed to spread awareness about sex education in schools.
Anurag Kashyap's comments reflect the ongoing struggle between creative expression, certification standards, and public sentiments. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by filmmakers and certification boards in navigating sensitive topics and balancing artistic freedom with societal norms. As cinema continues to evolve, discussions surrounding certification and audience reception remain essential aspects of the filmmaking process.