I have always been a firm believer that cinema doesn’t influence society. It’s vice versa for most of the films. It’s very rare that a film manages to make a deep and tremendous impact and compels the viewer to change his/her thoughts or take charge of his/her messed up life. In the recent times, only Rang De Basanti and Lage Raho Munnabhai were the movies that affected people to an extent. To this list, now add ‘OMG Oh my God!’. Easily one of the best films that I have seen in 2012 or maybe in my life! A must watch!
The story of the movie: Kanjibhai Mehta (Paresh Rawal) is a ruthless atheist. He owns an antique shop in Chor Bazaar, Mumbai and cons his customers on the basis of their religious beliefs. A 3.9 Richter scale earthquake rocks Mumbai and in Chor Bazaar, Kanji’s shop get fully destroyed. When he approaches the insurance company, he is denied claim since according to them, earthquake is ‘an act of God’ and hence can’t be compensated. An angry Kanji hence sues God! So what happens next? Will someone represent God? Or will He Himself come down? Watch ‘OMG Oh my God!’ to find out!
Upon watching the promo of the film, some viewers assumed that ‘OMG Oh my God!’ is another version of Bruce Almighty. That’s far from truth! ‘OMG Oh my God!’ is an adaptation of a play that has successfully entertained audiences over the years. Meanwhile, few were of the opinion that ‘OMG Oh my God!’ might hurt people’s religious sentiments. Again, that is incorrect. ‘OMG Oh my God!’ raises several issues and questions and openly criticizes meaningless and expensive religious practices. And the manner in which it is presented is extremely entertaining and leaves a deep impact. Dialogues are another plus point and many of them are clap and whistle worthy!
The film sets the mood from the first scene itself. The narrative moves slowly and not swiftly. But that’s not an issue as the film keeps one hooked from start to finish. Akshay Kumar’s entry was terrific (although the VFX was sub-standard). I am a sucker for courtroom dramas and ‘OMG Oh my God!’ boasts of some mind-blowing scenes that take place in the court. The film does deviate from the core issue (suing God) but it shifts track gradually and in a way doesn’t go off track. Most importantly, it exposes the hidden agendas of pundits, god-man and god-woman like never before. The climax is totally unpredictable and the twist was just terrific. The film ends on a high and on a justified note.
This is one of the very few films that features talented performer Paresh Rawal in a leading role and he makes brilliant use of the opportunity. The actor gets into the skin of his character and it was a treat to see him fooling customers, denouncing God and fighting the ‘dhongi babas’ and his case! Paresh has delivered several memorable performances and this one definitely stands out. Hats off!
Akshay Kumar rocks as God and as said before, he leaves a mark from the first scene itself. He looked divine in ‘Mere Nishaan’ song! However, he has a supporting role and lets Paresh overshadow him! Trappings of a fine actor! Mithun Chakraborty (Leeladhar Maharaj) was simply outstanding as the Godman possessing gay tendencies. A performance to watch out for! Govind Namdeo (Siddheshwar Maharaj) too was totally in the character and the apt actor for the role. Poonam Jhawer (Gopi Maiyaan) looked stunning and was definitely modeled on a certain ‘Maa’! Om Puri was fine in cameo. Nikhil Ratnaparkhi (Kanji’s colleague) was too good. The ABP news reporters, Nidhi Subbaiah and Tisca Chopra, looked very beautiful. Lubna Salim (Kanji’s wife), Mahesh Manjrekar (defence lawyer), Yusuf Hussain (judge) and Murli Sharma (politician) too put their best foot forward. The actor who played Paresh’s son was okay in his small role but it was difficult to digest that he would be allowed everyday in the school with a hairstyle like that!
Music wasn’t necessary but thankfully was neatly integrated in the film. Go Go Govinda was energetic, Hari Bol was good but the best has to be Mere Nishaan. Simply brilliant! Background score was effective. Varshaa Jain tried her best to make the sets seem authentic but somehow it didn’t seem real.
Bhavesh Mandaliya’s story was novel and very effective. Umesh Shukla and Bhavesh’s screenplay and dialogues too served the purpose. Paresh 4 years back was a part of Maharathi, also based on a popular play. While the play was roaring success, the film failed as it seemed too theatrical. Paresh seems to have learned his lessons and the writers too have ensured the film doesn’t seem like a play at any moment. Moreover, the film encompasses a lot that was missing in the play. Hence, even if one has seen the play, he/she will be in for a surprise, especially during the final 30 minutes. Umesh Shukla is a huge name in the drama world and ‘OMG Oh my God!’ proves that he can be a successful director in Bollywood too!
Some of the best scenes:
Kanjilal sells idol to a Rajasthani
Kanjilal at the insurance office (terrific!)
Kanjilal approaches lawyers
All courtroom scenes!
Akshay Kumar’s entry
God at Kanjilal’s home
Kanjilal reads religious texts
The last 25 minutes
The song ‘Mere Nishaan’
On the whole, ‘OMG Oh my God!’ is a powerful film that leaves a tremendous impact. The film raises lots of issues and shall force many to re-think their beliefs and practices. For me, this is a film that I’ll never forget! Hats off to the entire team and a big thank you to them! As for the viewers, needless to say, go for it NOW!
My rating-* * * * ½