As the release date of the highly anticipated film “OMG 2” approaches, a storm of controversy has erupted following its A certification. Scheduled for release on August 11, 2023, the film’s producers have been trying to attract audiences through various new trailers. However, opposition from the priests of the Mahakal Temple and saints in Ujjain has raised serious concerns. The priests and pundits of the Mahakal Temple have voiced their objections, demanding the removal of any scenes featuring the temple in the film. They argue that as long as these scenes remain, they will continue to protest the film. They have threatened to seek the intervention of the court and file a First Information Report (FIR) if the film is released despite their protests. The film stars Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva and Pankaj Tripathi as a devout follower. While the film explores various themes, the contentious issue revolves around the A certification it received.
The temple priests believe that A-certified films are often considered explicit and unsuitable for viewers under 18. They contend that “OMG 2” treads on the foundation of sex education, prompting the censor board to make cuts, including scenes featuring Naga sadhus and altering the name of a school in the film. The controversy intensified when Swamiji Avadheshpuri Maharaj, the head of the Swastik Peeth, also expressed his objections. He echoed the concerns of the temple priests, arguing against shooting films with religious themes in sacred places like the Mahakal Temple. Swamiji had raised objections during the film’s shooting, but his concerns were not heeded, leading to the current situation.
The film’s producers have yet to respond to the demands of the temple priests and Swamiji. If they fail to make the required changes, it is likely that a legal battle may ensue, with FIRs being filed against the film. The controversy has cast a shadow over the film’s otherwise much-awaited release. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds in the coming days, and whether the film’s producers will take steps to address the objections raised by the Mahakal Temple and Swamiji Avadheshpuri Maharaj. The clash between artistic freedom and religious sentiments continues to be a subject of debate, and its resolution in this case could set a precedent for future films tackling similar themes in sacred settings.