OMG 2 director Amit Rai says CBFC ‘killed’ the film’s audience by giving it ‘A’ certificate: ‘Would have been neck and neck with Gadar 2’

Amit Rai, who directed OMG 2, feels his film could not grow financially because of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).

OMG 2 director Amit Rai feels his film suffered because of the 'A' certificate.

When it was announced that Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 and Pankaj Tripathi’s OMG 2 would be released on the same day, it was seen as one of the biggest box-office clashes of last year. However, when the two films were finally released in the theatres, Gadar 2 became a sensation at ticket counters, and OMG 2 — riding on critical acclaim — managed to stay steady at the box office but could not match up to the numbers of nationalist drama. Amit Rai, who directed OMG 2, feels his film could not grow financially because of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).

OMG 2, also starring Akshay Kumar, received an ‘A’ rating from CBFC, which Rai believes kept his target audience, the families, away from the cinema halls, leading to the film’s less-than-expected performance at the box office. He told DNA in a recent interview, “If it wasn’t an A-certificate film, then maybe it would have been neck and neck with Gadar 2, minting money at the box office because families would have come for it.” While Gadar 2 earned Rs 686 crore worldwide, OMG 2 could earn Rs 221.75 crore.

Indian Express Entertainment is now on WhatsApp Channels. Follow us for the latest news, interviews, reviews, photos and more.

Story continues below this ad

Though now he wants the ‘bygones be bygones’, Rai also felt the censor board “killed” half of his family audience by giving it an A-rating. He added, “The censor board hurt me financially too and in terms of content as well.” CBFC reportedly suggested 27 changes in the film which deals with sex education, among other issues.

Also read | CBFC member Vivek Agnihotri speaks against OMG 2’s A certificate, says decision comes from ‘social, religious pressure’

Earlier, Rai had shared that he sent many messages to CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi requesting a U/A certificate for OMG 2. But his request fell on deaf ears. “I remember clearly that I folded my hands. I told them that you are doing the wrong thing because if this film goes on OTT…” he told Bollywood Hungama. The filmmaker even tried to get the film’s certification changed after its release but Joshi “never responded” to his messages.

OMG 2 follows the journey of a father and son who are battling social taboos so teenagers can learn about sex education. Akshay plays the ‘messenger of god’ in the film. Yami Gautam portrays the role of a lawyer. She too was ‘disheartened’ when the film was given an ‘A’ certificate.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

US President Donald Trump speaks at the Kennedy Center, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Ahead of Putin meeting, Trump says India tariffs helped push Russia to talks

World11 min ago

Ahead of his high-stakes summit with Vladimir Putin Friday, US president Donald Trump suggested that his tariffs on India “essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia,” and may have played a role in bringing Moscow to the negotiating table. Trump said he believes Putin “wants to get it done,” ahead of their summit in Alaska tomorrow.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment War 2 Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani spy saga is so limp, you’re left looking for zing