Yami Gautam Opens Up About Her Character In OMG 2 And Choosing Substance Over Sensationalism | Exclusive

Yami Gautam On Her Character In OMG 2: It has been over a decade for Yami Gautam in the Hindi film industry. She made her debut with Ayushmann Khurrana in Shoojit Sircar's 2012 film 'Vicky Donor,' which garnered much attention back then. In the last 11 years, Yami has acted in a number of Hindi films, solidifying her image as an actor. Currently, Yami is making headlines for her latest release, 'Oh My God 2.'

In this film, she portrayed the character of lawyer Kamini Maheshwari, who opposes Pankaj Tripathi's character Kanti Sharan Mudgal in court. 'OMG 2' had to face considerable struggles to reach the big screens. From social media to the Censor Board (CBFC), there were challenges to overcome. Eventually, the film was released with an A certificate and made a significant impact right away.

'OMG 2,' which came out on August 11, despite facing strong competition from 'Gadar 2,' has so far collected over Rs 80 crores in its first week. Yami is delighted and content with this success. In a recent interview with Jagran.com, Yami discussed her roles, the challenges she faced during the making of the movie, and its subsequent success.

Q: OMG 2 is performing exceptionally well at the box office. What does this success mean to you?

Yami: I see this success as a form of gratitude. I am very happy. If you have put in hard work and remained honest in your efforts, the results do come. The way 'OMG 2' is performing in theatres is a significant achievement.

Q: Do you think that due to various obstacles, the film couldn't be promoted properly?

Yami: I take this in a light-hearted manner. In fact, this is my first film that had such minimal marketing. I remember during interviews for 'A Thursday,' a journalist said, 'Oh, your next film is releasing, the trailer has just come out, how can you do this? It's just so little marketing.' I didn't know what to say.

Also Read: OMG 2 'Sex Education Spotlight: 5 Taboo-Tackling Films That Created Online Buzz Before Akshay Kumar's Release

Q: If the film doesn't get an 'A' certificate, it reaches a wider audience...

Yami: The target audience for this is 12-plus, which we refer to as teenagers. The 'A' certificate for whatever reason it was given, we don't have any control over that. Despite this, people are going to the theatres and enjoying it. The film's topic (sex education) is something parents can discuss with their children at home.

Q: Don't you think that the people at the CBFC need to change their approach now?

Yami: (Smiling) You know the answer to that, but the board (CBFC) carries a significant responsibility. It's such a large country with so much diversity. They have to maintain a balance for everyone. The possibility for improvement exists.

Perhaps there could be more categories, like how 'OMG 2' received a 12-plus certification in the UAE, which is absolutely appropriate. In the future, if we have more categories here as well, where certification is given in more detail, it might make it easier to find a balance between the industry, films, audiences, and the censor board.

Q: Don't you think that the CBFC should change their approach now?

Yami: You know the answer to that, but the board (CBFC) carries a significant responsibility. It's such a large country with so much diversity. They have to maintain a balance for everyone. The possibility for improvement exists.

Perhaps there could be more categories, like how 'OMG 2' received a 12-plus certification in the UAE, which is absolutely appropriate. In the future, if we have more categories here as well, where certification is given in more detail, it might make it easier to find a balance between the industry, films, audiences, and the censor board.

Q: Demanding boycotts and bans on social media before a film's release has become somewhat of a trend. How can this be dealt with effectively?

Yami: Honestly, I don't really know. It is a very unfortunate situation. I can only say to all of you in the media fraternity not to circulate such videos. Without watching the film, even you (the media) should not pay attention to such content. That is the request I can make.

Q: When choosing films, what factors do you consider?

Yami: There are three things that I always look for while selecting a film. As an actor, the script should resonate with me. It is not enough for it to be just something new for me to do; it should have an overall potential to be appealing to the audience. I try a new genre each time. For instance, my next film is a comedy.

Secondly, what kind of character do I have? How essential is it for the story? How intricately is it written, and thirdly, the director. When the script and my character align well, I want to have a conversation with the director once to understand their vision for the film. Especially when you know that the subject matter (sex education) is quite new and quite significant. It has to be handled very sensitively, not come across as sensational.

Q: When the film was offered to you, what was your initial reaction considering the subject matter?

Yami: It was during Covid. We were battling the second wave. First, I received a call from Akshay sir, and on the call, we had Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Creative Producer) and Amit (Director). Amit mentioned that it's one of the finest scripts of his life and he is very passionate about making it.

We all know that Dwivedi sir is a renowned scholar of Hindi literature. Names like these instil trust when they are associated with a project. It's essential to bring up such subjects.

Everyone seems to be a doctor nowadays. Everyone is giving advice. It's so easy to be misguided and misinformed at that age. What we learn in school, we never forget. That's why we all felt that this film is very important. I felt that I have the opportunity to do something new. There's a lot to say in this role, the tone of voice, what variations are possible – I felt that all those opportunities are there, which I look for.

Q: Pankaj Tripathi is an exceptional actor. You have shared quite a few scenes with him. How was the experience of performing alongside him?

Yami: Working with Pankaj sir was truly wonderful. He comes from a theatre background and used to conduct acting workshops at one point in time. His approach to acting is straightforward. I like doing my homework thoroughly. Whatever questions I have, I discuss them with the director before going on set for any film. If there is something I want to add or connect, I talk about it. I like being prepared.

While shooting for the film, it felt like there were long lines to deliver. But when we watch it now, it seems like the scenes are passing by quickly. Apart from Pankaj sir, I'd like to mention another name, Pawan sir (Malhotra). He has done an excellent job in his role as a judge. All the actors have contributed to making the scenes intriguing. Working with senior actors like them improves our craft.

Q: You have been in the industry for over a decade. What changes do you observe in the film industry?

Yami: The writing has improved. Particularly, the portrayal of female characters has gotten better. The actors are more aware. 2012 (the year Yami made her debut with 'Vicky Donor') was a good year when a lot of good films came out. Now, suddenly, it feels like that time has returned.

Amidst all this, I also came across several good films, as did others. But now we distinguish between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras. In the post-pandemic phase, our writers, directors, and we as actors will have to put in more effort to keep people engaged. The way films like 'Gadar 2' and 'OMG 2' are performing in theatres, it is evident that people are willing to go to cinemas.