New Delhi: 'OMG 2' and 'Gadar 2' hit the theatres on the same day. While the former was an eye-opener to the society, the latter revived the old emotional connect and also gave rise to nationalistic sentiments among the audience. Talking about 'OMG 2', the film which stars Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi, and Govind Navdev among others, emphasises the importance of sex education among children. Unfortunately, the censor board awarded it an 'A' certificate, much to the dismay of the film's creators and actors, as their target audience was teenagers.
In a conversation with ABP Live, Govind Namdev expressed his disapproval of the censor board's decision to give the film an 'A' certificate.
On being asked, if 'OMG 2' would have performed better if not released on the same day as 'Gadar2', Navdev said, "'Gadar 2' also could have performed much better if both 'OMG 2' and 'Gadar 2' were not released on the same date! This should not have been the case that both films are released on the same date, but I don't know why this happened. Luckily, the audience loved both the films equally."
"'Gadar 2' oozed emotions of nationalism, enrapturing the audience, while 'OMG 2' gave a message related to sex-education. There were scenes at the court where detailed discussion about sex was there and we were a little afraid of how the audience will receive it. We were also concerned about the fact that it should not seem vulgar and get rejected. But, none of this happened. The credit goes to the director for handling such a delicate subject so well and present it before the audience. This director has a long way to go," he further added.
Talking about 'OMG2' having received an 'A' certificate, he said, "The film should have got a U/A certificate. There is no logic behind the film getting an 'A' certificate because CBFC had seen the film and they knew the subject and the motive of it. They were also aware of the target audience of the film. This was meant for teenagers so that they get a guideline, and a new norm is started in the society. The youngsters should not be confused due to lack of guidelines, especially related to sex-education."
Discussing the need to show such films to teens, Govind Namdev said, "In our society, we don't have such a relation between parents and children, that parents will be able to explain these things to them. As a result, teens try to gather information from their friends, or any cheap literature and share among themselves. This creates confusion in them and medicine shops and all take advantage of their confusion and scare them."
"The film was made to guide the youth of the country. But, CBFC has prohibited the film for them only. This is very wrong. The film should have got a U/A or they should not have passed it only. Aur thodi fight ho jaati. Pass kiya matlab they have approved it. Then let that audience see it for whom it was made. This film is not harmful for the society or the youth. It was made to show them the correct path. I believe that intelligent people are there at the censor board. Then why did this happen? It shouldn't have happend," he further continued.
"The ones for whom the film was made. They could not see it. Our motive behind making this film fails if it doesn't reach the teenagers. I requested Akshay Kumar to write a request letter to CBFC that people are watching the film and there is no feeling of vulgarity, so, why doesn't CBFC reconsider this and give a U/A certificate to it. Akshay said that he will do it. And, if it happens, then it will really be a good move," he added.
Govind Namdev then went on to talk about other countries where the film has been shown to teenagers saying, "In Oman and UAE, students of class 12 can watch this film, despite being such conservative countries, so that their future is safe and they are not in a confused state."
He also shared other social tabboos on which films must be made so that the audience can be educated.
"Apart from this, films should also be made to explain good touch and bad touch. A lot of times it happens that there is exploitation, but the child is hesitant enough to speak up. Even family members prohibit their children to speak about this in the fear of defamation. Children should be educated regarding all this and that the fear of defamation is fake. The awareness is important to remove such evils from society."
Despite all this, 'OMG 2' has performed well at the Box Office garnering more than 130 crores in three weeks.