Rani Mukerji to join Akshay Kumar in ‘OMG 3’; film to highlight women-related issue
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Mumbai (PTI): Actors Akshay Kumar and Rani Mukerji are set to collaborate for the first time for the third part of the popular franchise film, “Oh My God”.Two films have been made in the “OMG” franchise and both the movies, featuring Kumar in the role of god, have been well-received by critics and audiences for blending social message in an entertaining way.
“We’ve already started work on the third part of ‘OMG’. The USP of ‘OMG’ is the socially relevant topic that we highlight and this time around we’ve picked up an important and hard hitting topic, which is the need of the hour. The social issue this time is pertaining to women,” an insider told PTI.
Speaking about the casting of the film, the insider revealed the makers have cast Mukerji as she is apt choice for the third part of "OMG", which will be helmed by Amit Rai.
“We’ve already had discussions with Akshay and Rani. The script demanded someone like Rani and hence she has been cast. It is not a cameo appearance. It is through her character that an important issue about women will be talked about. She will surprise the audiences with her role. It will be a treat for the fans of 90s cinema to see these two actors together,” the insider said.
The franchise started with 2012 “Oh My God” with Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. It revolved around atheist Kanji Mehta's (Rawal) legal battle against God after his shop gets destroyed due to an earthquake. The film, directed by Umesh Shukla, talked about themes like religious exploitation and commercialisation of spirituality.
The makers followed it up with a sequel, titled “Oh My God 2” in 2023. Billed as a spiritual sequel, the film featured Pankaj Tripathi as a devotee of Lord Shiva named Kanti Sharan Mudgal and Akshay Kumar as a messenger of God, and touched upon various issues of teenagers and the importance of sex education. The second part was directed by Amit Rai.
According to the insider, “OMG 3” will go on floors in the first quarter of 2026.
In addition to this, Rani will be seen in “Mardaani 3” and Kumar has quite a few releases, including director Priyadarshan’s “Bhooth Bangla” and “Haiwaan”, and the ensemble comedy film, “Welcome to Jungle”.
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Trekking without nature guide won't be allowed; Karnataka forest minister releases SOP
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday said that trekking will no longer be permitted on any approved trekking routes under the forest department, without a certified nature guide equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
Speaking after releasing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated for the safety of trekkers, he said that there will be one local nature guide for every 10 trekkers. A maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route.
According to him, online registration for trekking is mandatory. Even if a single individual registers for a particular day, a guide will still be provided, and trekking without a guide will not be allowed.
He said the SOP was introduced following recent incidents, including a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days in the forests during a trek at Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, and a minor girl who went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru, which is outside forest jurisdiction.
In a statement, the Khandre's office said that nature guides will be mandatorily equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all trekking routes. "Additionally, a mobile app containing trekking route maps will be installed on trekkers' phones. This will help locate trekkers if they lose their way", it said.
As per the SOP, before the trek begins, trekkers will be briefed about the distance, duration, and local conditions.
"Instructions on how to respond if wildlife is encountered will also be provided. Loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires are strictly prohibited on trekking routes," it said.
The SOP further stated that separate toilets for men and women and drinking water facilities will be provided at base camps.
Directional arrow markings will guide trekkers along the route, and rest points will be created along the way, it said.
Citing the SOP, the statement said that nature guides must ensure that no trekker moves ahead of them or is left behind. Headcounts must be conducted at base camps and rest points.
"Guides must communicate with the base camp via walkie-talkie every 30 minutes. If there is no communication within an hour of the trek starting, base camp staff will contact the guide to confirm safety," it said.
The SOP states that minors must carry a consent letter from their parents or guardians, and senior citizens must provide a fitness certificate confirming their physical capability to undertake trekking. To be able to respond to unexpected health issues, trekkers and guides must carry a first aid kit.
However, flash photography, single-use plastics, and carry bags are prohibited and trekkers must bring back their waste and dispose of it only at base camps, as per SOP.
It further said that all trekking routes under the forest department will be integrated into the official website (https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/) to enable advance booking of tickets.
