Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi. Pic/OMG 2
Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam's OMG 2 sailed through rough waters before reaching cinema halls on its scheduled release date of August 11. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) closely monitored the film and suggested as many as 25 modifications in order to get a green signal. After clearing obstacles, the socio-drama which revolves around the subject of sex education, was released in theatres and received a thumbs up from the audience as well as critics.
However, a Hindu outfit called the Rashtriya Hindu Parishad thought otherwise. Accusing Akshay of insulting Hindu Gods and Goddesses through OMG 2, the organisation reportedly burnt his effigies and the film's posters on Thursday (a day before the release). Based in Agra, Rashtriya Hindu Parishad Bharat also announced a Rs 10 lakh "reward" to anyone who "slaps or spits" on Akshay for hurting sentiments with his portrayal of Lord Shiva's messenger in OMG 2.
The photogallery here
According to The Print, Rashtriya Hindu Parishad Bharat's president Govind Parashar announced the reward and claimed certain scenes belittled Lord Shiva. Stating that scenes like Akshay buying kachoris, taking a dip in dirty pond water, wearing boots and flaunting dreadlocks tarnish the image of the Lord, Parashar asked the censor board and central government to impose a ban on OMG 2 and warned of protests otherwise.
On the other hand, OMG 2 is winning the hearts of the audience. Due to positive and strong word of mouth, the film is growing at the box office every day. After opening an account at the cash counter with Rs 10.26 crores, the film steadily grew and made Rs 43.11 crores in its first weekend.
OMG 2 revolves around the importance of sex education. Akshay plays the messenger of Lord Shiva who arrives on earth to guide Mahadev's devotee Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Pankaj Tripathi). Kanti decides to fight a case against his son Vivek's school. He faces Kamini (Yami Gautam) in court and highlights the need and importance of including sex education in the school's curriculum. The prequel of OMG 2 came in in 2012. It starred Akshay with Paresh Rawal.
