17 August 2023, Mumbai: In a surprising revelation, it has been confirmed that Akshay Kumar, the lead actor of “OMG 2,” did not charge any fee for his involvement in the film. The notion of the film’s budget being inflated is debunked, and the actual figures are far more modest than what’s been circulating in the trade. “OMG 2” has not only emerged as a successful venture at the box office but has also garnered significant attention due to its remarkable budget management and Akshay Kumar’s altruistic commitment.
OMG 2 Box Office Collections and OMG 2 Starcast
The film, directed by Amit Rai and starring Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, and Pankaj Tripathi, has been raking in substantial collections since its release. The opening week earnings stand at around Rs 80 crore, and there are strong expectations that the film will cross the Rs 100 crore milestone in its second weekend, marking the 17th time that an Akshay Kumar film has achieved this feat. Amidst this success, rumors have circulated regarding the film’s budget, with some sections of social media asserting that it was made on a budget of Rs 150 crore.
Akshay Kumar Did The ‘OMG 2’ For FREE!
However, the truth is far from these speculations. Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom 18, has clarified that the reported budget figures are greatly exaggerated. He also revealed that Akshay Kumar didn’t charge any fee for his involvement and actively participated in the financial and creative risks associated with the film. Andhare emphasized the longstanding collaboration between Akshay Kumar and the studio, citing their shared history in projects like “OMG: Oh My God!”, “Special 26,” and “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
“OMG 2 becomes a Low Budget Marvel?
A source close to the film’s development disclosed that the actual budget of “OMG 2” is around Rs 50 crore. The film was shot in a controlled environment, adhering to the practices commonly observed in the creation of social dramedies within the Hindi film industry. The source also noted that the predecessor of the film, “OMG: Oh My God!” (2012), was produced with a budget of Rs 25 crore.
Akshay Kumar being Humble and Idealistic
Akshay Kumar’s contribution to the film extends beyond acting, as he plays a role in promoting the movie’s message and purpose. His involvement and the strong brand recognition of the “OMG” franchise have facilitated the film’s success in securing solid deals with satellite and digital platforms. Despite backend earnings, a strong theatrical run is crucial for the film to be labeled a HIT, and “OMG 2” has achieved just that. Akshay Kumar’s decision to act without a fee highlights his commitment to the project’s larger ideals.
By Yashika Desai