Bollywood filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has voiced his opposition to the alterations made to Akshay Kumars character in his upcoming film OMG 2, asserting that the changes are unjustified.Agnihotri, who is a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has questioned the necessity of the CBFCs existence and expressed his reservations about censorship in the realm of cinema and television shows. Agnihotri, however, clarified he has not seen the film yet nor was he part of its reviewing committee.Addressing the modifications made to Akshay Kumars character, who was originally cast as Lord Shiva but has been changed into a messenger of the deity in OMG 2, Agnihotri said, “First of all, even though I am a part of CBFC but I am totally against it. CBFC shouldnt be pressurised to do anything. Whatever is happening, its happening because of social and religious pressures. Everybody has understood that CBFC is a vulnerable body, you put pressure on it, and they will make these changes. I dont understand why a film should get so many cuts – 27 cuts. Who are you to decide that”There shouldnt be any CBFC, I believe in free speech: Vivek Agnihotri on OMG 2In response to whether he believes in the changes made by the CBFC to films, Agnihotri expressed his broader views on the role of the CBFC. He questioned the necessity of the CBFCs existence and stressed his belief in the principle of free speech, even extending it to encompass controversial and potentially offensive content.“Even though I am a part of CBFC but if you ask me, I honestly believe there shouldnt be any CBFC. I am against any kind of boycotts and bans on the movies. I believe in free speech. I, in fact, believe in absolute free speech, to the extent, that I think even hate speech should be allowed. What is the intention of the filmmaker If the intention is not bad, let it go,” he said.The recent release of OMG 2 encountered challenges during the CBFC review process, facing comparisons to the controversy surrounding Adipurush. The film underwent rigorous scrutiny and was ultimately awarded an A – Adults only – certificate after 27 modifications.OMG 2, directed by Amit Rai, features a cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Yami Gautam, and Akshay Kumar.
