Review: Oh My God is a bold take that excels with stellar performances [3/5]

Rating:*** In the past few weeks, we have had some ‘highly entertaining’ films
and the ones that tried to make any sense were excused by being just
a form of entertainment. After a long time, one gets to witness
meaningful cinema which takes a bold step towards questioning a
trait personal to every individual — faith in the divine power. Adapted from a Gujarati play named Kanji Virrudh Kanji, Oh My God is
for one a sardonic take on blind faith and people’s belief in God men. Kanjibhai (Paresh Rawal) is an atheist who questions the very
existence of god. Being a disbeliever himself, Kanjibhai exploits this
very trait in people to make a living. In his antiques shop at Chor
Bazaar he sells idols of God by spinning tales about how valuable and
rare each of them is, facing the wrath of his family and friends for his
views. But God decides to teach him a lesson by destroying his shop in a curious earthquake. Without losing his cool, Kanjibhai realises he
could claim insurance for it. However, the insurance company refuses
to pass his claim as the shop is not covered against “act of God” (or a
natural calamity). Kanjibhai decides to file a case to claim his money, not against the
insurance company, but against God. These notices are sent to the
various godmen across India, asking them to pay a fine, as it is God
who destroyed Kanji shop. In the course of the case, he loses
everything and makes a new friend, Krishna Vasudev Yadav (Akshay
Kumar). What happens next dramatically changes Kanjibhai’s own beliefs, apart from questioning blind faith in god and idol-worship. In
fact, the ranter soon finds he has the company of millions, who
understand his point of view, and a few who even want to help in
similar cases. Though the film’s plot is a point that has been debated often, it has
never before presented on this large a scale. The screenplay of the
movie is excellent, with witty dialogues that have been intelligently
written. Courtroom scenes where Kanjibhai presents his case are quite
amusing. The direction is good and cinematography is perfect. What takes the movie to a different level is the performance. With a
well-crafted character and excellent dialogues, Paresh Rawal carries
the whole film as he makes you laugh, feel pity for him and even
question your own faith. Akshay, who plays the role of Lord Krishna,
does not have much to do in the film, yet he leaves a notable
impression. In most parts, he is just an observant. Though one wishes he had more to do, you can’t complain. Mithun Chakraborty is good.
Govind Namdeo, who plays the role of a God man too, is excellent in
the beginning of the film, but he tends to go overboard with the
character starting to irritate you in the latter half of the film. The background score of the film is worth appreciating and
Prabhudeva-Sonakshi’s Go go Govind is quite amusing. Apart from
this, other songs are alright. The editing is okay, though it does tend
to get rough at times. It is not one of those movies that leave you in
splits or in tears, but it will entertain you while compelling you to
think over the interesting concept of godhood.

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