No Protests for Akshay as Lord Shiva?
Akshay Kumar's portrayal of god caused a backlash just before the release of OMG 2. His portrayal of lord shiva drew criticism from critics who said that bollywood was abusing sacred characters. The producers changed his character's name to a "Messenger of God" under duress. The CBFC limited the film's release by cutting 27 scenes and awarding it an A certificate.
Social media was inundated with arguments, boycott calls, and fury due to the controversy. However, Akshay is currently portraying lord shiva once more in Kannappa. Additionally, there are no protests, noise, or calls for reform. The quiet is overwhelming. OMG 2 was embroiled in a significant scandal in 2023. People questioned if bollywood was allowed to show religious elements. Particularly when it comes to a performer like Akshay Kumar, who has frequently been ridiculed for picking movies based on fads.
The censorboard, which was constantly on the lookout for controversy, took no chances. To prevent criticism, the movie was altered, mellowed, and deprived of its original purpose. The movie nonetheless carried the label of being "controversial" despite the modifications. Now fast-forward to 2025. When the Kannappa teaser ends, Akshay appears as lord shiva in a powerful, solemn portrayal.
Social media was inundated with arguments, boycott calls, and fury due to the controversy. However, Akshay is currently portraying lord shiva once more in Kannappa. Additionally, there are no protests, noise, or calls for reform. The quiet is overwhelming. OMG 2 was embroiled in a significant scandal in 2023. People questioned if bollywood was allowed to show religious elements. Particularly when it comes to a performer like Akshay Kumar, who has frequently been ridiculed for picking movies based on fads.
The censorboard, which was constantly on the lookout for controversy, took no chances. To prevent criticism, the movie was altered, mellowed, and deprived of its original purpose. The movie nonetheless carried the label of being "controversial" despite the modifications. Now fast-forward to 2025. When the Kannappa teaser ends, Akshay appears as lord shiva in a powerful, solemn portrayal.
Rich sights, a big setting, and an intense characterization are all present. However, the same individuals who previously objected to his existence in a divine capacity are silent now. No arguments, no calls for budget cuts. It seems as though OMG 2 never took place. What's the difference? This is a South indian movie, not Bollywood. The response was entirely different, but the Akshay and his portrayal were identical.
It's difficult to overlook the unfairness of the situation. Bollywood is under investigation for allegedly commercializing religious themes, something that is rarely the case with South indian films. Many claim that because Southern cinema is more conventional, its portrayal is appropriate. Does that imply, however, that the criticism of OMG 2 was never directed at the film's portrayal? Why is it wrong to play lord shiva now if it was improper back then? The censor board's silence alone says a lot. OMG 2 was cut and altered to stay out of problems, but Kannappa is unaffected. It seems as though the guidelines vary according on the filmmaker.
The difference between Kannappa and OMG 2 demonstrates that South indian films are allowed to be released whereas bollywood is a soft target. The fury isn't consistent or unadulterated. It appears to be more about the business than the actual substance. Given the uncontroversial release of the Kannappa trailer, one can wonder if the outcry against OMG 2 was ever directed at lord shiva or if it was only because it was a bollywood movie.
The difference between Kannappa and OMG 2 demonstrates that South indian films are allowed to be released whereas bollywood is a soft target. The fury isn't consistent or unadulterated. It appears to be more about the business than the actual substance. Given the uncontroversial release of the Kannappa trailer, one can wonder if the outcry against OMG 2 was ever directed at lord shiva or if it was only because it was a bollywood movie.