Producer Ashwin Varde Responds to Paresh Rawal's Claims About 'OMG 2'

New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Mumbai: Following Paresh Rawal's recent claims that 'OMG 2' was based on his concept without proper credit, producer Ashwin Varde has made significant revelations regarding the film's production. Varde alleged that Rawal attempted to prevent Akshay Kumar from participating in the sequel, but the production team intervened to ensure Kumar's involvement.

Varde described Rawal's allegations as "shocking, untrue, and unsubstantiated," prompting him to clarify the origins of 'OMG 2'. He explained that actor Pavan Malhotra was instrumental in introducing him to writer-director Amit Rai. Initially, their meeting was intended to discuss a different project, but Rai later shared the idea that ultimately evolved into 'OMG 2'.

Upon hearing Rai's concept, Varde immediately recognized its resemblance to the original 'OMG'. He claimed that Rai had developed the story in a manner that echoed the narrative style of the first film, following Rawal's suggestion to maintain that approach. This connection to the original film is significant, as 'OMG – Oh My God!' was a critical and commercial success, addressing themes of faith, spirituality, and the role of religion in society. The film starred Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar, and its unique storytelling resonated with audiences, leading to its cult status.

However, Varde expressed concerns regarding franchise rights, stating, "OMG cannot be made without Akshay Kumar or his approval, since I was aware that the IP rights of the film belonged to him." The issue of intellectual property rights is crucial in the film industry, as it determines who has the legal claim to a story, characters, and other creative elements. In this case, Varde's assertion that Rawal had informed Rai that he owned the intellectual property raises ethical concerns about the ownership of creative ideas and the ramifications of such claims on future projects.

Varde accused Rawal of attempting to create an unauthorized version of the film, asserting, "He was trying to make a version of OMG under a different name, which is unethical and unprofessional." This allegation highlights the ongoing tensions in the film industry regarding originality and the fine line between inspiration and imitation. Many actors approached with the screenplay declined the project upon recognizing its similarities to 'OMG', with many stating, "This is OMG and that is Akshay Kumar’s film. Why should we tread into something that belongs to him?" This sentiment reflects the loyalty and respect that the original film commanded, as well as the challenges faced by creators when navigating established franchises.

Ultimately, Varde's company, Wakaoo Films, acquired the screenplay, which remains registered exclusively in Rai's name. He emphasized, "The script was and is still registered under the name of Amit Rai, who is the sole writer of the film." The registration of a screenplay is a critical step in the filmmaking process, as it legally protects the writer's work and ensures that they receive appropriate credit and compensation for their contributions. Varde also pointed out that Rawal never raised the issue of writing credit during their discussions, which primarily focused on his potential casting.

In a subsequent conversation, Varde informed Rawal that the script would first be presented to Akshay Kumar due to its similarities to 'OMG'. Varde recounted, "I was shocked by his reaction," claiming that Rawal insisted the project could not be another 'OMG'. This reaction underscores the complexities of navigating creative differences in the film industry, where the vision for a project can often lead to disagreements among key stakeholders.

Despite their disagreements, Varde alleged that Rawal was the first actor approached for the film, with Kumar reportedly making efforts to persuade him to join the project. This indicates that the relationship between the actors and producers involved in the film was multifaceted and perhaps strained due to differing perspectives on the project. Varde also mentioned that Rawal received a producer credit through his wife, Swaroop Paresh Rawal, and business partner Hemal Thakkar, despite allegedly contributing nothing to the film's development. This situation raises questions about the nature of producer credits in the film industry and the criteria that determine who deserves recognition for a project.

He confirmed that Rawal was compensated as per their agreement, stating, "Nobody tried to cheat Paresh Rawal of anything. The only thing we are guilty of is stopping him from doing the same." Varde's comments shed light on the complexities surrounding the production of 'OMG 2' and the ongoing disputes regarding creative credits and contributions. The film industry is often rife with disputes over credit, especially in sequels and adaptations, where the lines between original ideas and derivative works can become blurred.

The ongoing discourse between Varde and Rawal not only reflects individual grievances but also highlights broader issues within the Indian film industry regarding the treatment of creative professionals and the importance of transparency in crediting contributions. As audiences become increasingly aware of these dynamics, there is a growing demand for ethical practices in filmmaking. The resolution of this dispute may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding 'OMG 2' serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships and power dynamics that exist within the film industry. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the careers of those involved and whether it leads to changes in industry practices regarding intellectual property and creative credits.

The film industry, particularly in India, has a long history of disputes over intellectual property rights and creative credits. This is not the first time that actors and producers have found themselves at odds over the ownership of ideas and the recognition of contributions to a project. The case of 'OMG 2' is emblematic of a larger trend where creative professionals are increasingly advocating for their rights and seeking to ensure that they receive fair credit for their work.

Moreover, the rise of social media has amplified these disputes, allowing for public discourse and scrutiny regarding the treatment of artists in the industry. As fans and audiences engage with these discussions, there is a growing expectation for transparency and accountability from filmmakers and production companies. The outcome of the 'OMG 2' controversy could influence how future projects are developed and how disputes are resolved, potentially leading to more formalized agreements and clearer guidelines regarding credits and contributions.

Furthermore, the implications of this dispute extend beyond the individuals involved. It raises important questions about the creative process in filmmaking and the collaborative nature of the industry. Filmmaking is inherently a team effort, and the dynamics between writers, directors, producers, and actors can significantly impact the final product. As such, establishing clear communication and mutual respect among all parties is crucial to fostering a healthy creative environment.

As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of protecting intellectual property and respecting the contributions of all individuals involved in a project cannot be overstated. The 'OMG 2' controversy serves as a critical reminder of the need for ongoing discussions about ethics, credit, and the treatment of creative professionals in the entertainment industry. The resolution of this dispute may not only affect the careers of those directly involved but also shape the future landscape of filmmaking in India.