Vivek Agnihotri has said that even though he is a part of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), he is totally against the many cuts that were given to Akshay Kumar starrer OMG 2. He said that this was “not justified”.

In an interview with india.com, Agnihotri said that he has not watched the film yet and was not a part of the revising committee that gave out the list of changes to the makers.

Akshay was reportedly playing Lord Shiva in the film, but his role was modified to ‘messenger of God’ following CBFC guidelines and when asked if this was justified,  Agnihotri said, “No, it is not justified. I don’t agree with that. First of all, even though I am a part of CBFC but I am totally against it. CBFC shouldn’t be pressurised to do anything. Whatever is happening, it’s happening because of social and religious pressures. Everybody has understood that CBFC is a vulnerable body, you put pressure on it, and they will make these changes. I don’t understand why a film should get so many cuts – 27 cuts. Who are you to decide that?”

Calling himself an advocate of absolute free speech, Agnihotri further said, “Even though I am a part of the CBFC, if you ask me, I honestly believe there shouldn’t be any CBFC. I am against any kind of boycott or ban on movies. I believe in free speech. I, in fact, believe in absolute free speech, to the extent that I think even hate speech should be allowed”.