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Exploring the Similarities Between Two Iconic Films

When 'PK' debuted in 2014, the satirical film featuring Aamir Khan quickly became a massive success. However, many viewers noted that its central theme bore a striking resemblance to 'OMG: Oh My God!', a film released in 2012 and directed by Umesh Shukla. Both films delve into the realms of religion, faith, and organized worship, leading to discussions and speculation about potential creative conflicts.

In a recent conversation with Friday Talkies, Umesh Shukla addressed these ongoing comparisons, stating that while there are indeed similarities, they arise from shared concepts rather than any form of copying.

Shukla remarked, 'They might have had a similar concept in mind. If 'PK' had come out before my film, people might have claimed that mine was inspired by 'PK.' He emphasized that 'OMG' was based on a play he had written and performed long before the film's release, and notably, the team behind 'PK' had seen it.

He continued, 'Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and writer Abhijat Joshi had all attended my play. Therefore, when someone tackles a similar theme, some reflections are inevitable.' He added that in filmmaking, it is common for stories with analogous themes to resonate with one another. 'If you're crafting a love story, and a character says 'I love you,' that's expected in a love story.'

Shukla also addressed the unfounded rumor that the producers of 'PK' had bribed him to abandon 'OMG.' He firmly dismissed this claim, stating, 'At that time, there were even rumors that Vidhu Vinod Chopra offered me Rs 8 crore to not proceed with the film. But that was mere gossip; nothing of the sort ever occurred. All of them, including Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Chopra, and even Aamir Khan, are too talented and respectable to engage in such petty actions.'

Previously, Hirani and Joshi had refuted allegations of copying 'OMG,' asserting that their initial drafts of 'PK' date back to 2000 but underwent revisions over the years. Ironically, when 'OMG' was released in 2012, they were still refining the script for 'PK,' which only fueled further speculation.

While 'OMG' featured Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar in a courtroom drama that scrutinized blind faith, 'PK' offered its critique through the perspective of an alien exploring human religion—both films ultimately leaving a significant impact with their daring narratives.