Bollywood has been known for its extravagant films, which are often based on true stories. However, the recent biopic on the life of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has stirred controversy and legal battles. The film titled “PM Narendra Modi” has faced criticism and several petitions seeking its ban.
The Biopic is directed by Omung Kumar, known for his biopics like “Mary Kom” and “Sarbjit.” It features Vivek Oberoi, who plays the role of Narendra Modi. The film chronicles Modi’s life, from his early days as a tea-seller to becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat and finally the Prime Minister of India. It aims to showcase Modi’s life journey and his achievements.
The biopic was initially slated to release on April 5, 2019, just a few days before India’s general election. However, the release was postponed to April 11, 2019, citing that the film needed certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The CBFC viewed the film and suggested some changes in the film’s content and asked the makers to include a disclaimer regarding the film’s authenticity.
The film’s trailer release created an uproar on social media with many claiming that the biopic had a political motive. Several opposition parties accused the filmmakers and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the biopic as a propaganda tool to influence voters ahead of the general election.
Several petitions were filed in different courts seeking a ban on the film’s release. The Delhi High Court and the Election Commission of India heard most of these petitions. The Election Commission directed that the biopic should not be released during the election period, citing that it could disturb the level playing field. The Delhi High Court agreed that the film should be delayed until the CBFC certification was obtained.
Despite the delay, the film still faces criticism from opposition parties and various civil society groups. They argue that the release of the biopic during an election period could influence the voters to favor the ruling party. Moreover, the film’s authenticity has also been questioned, with some alleging that some of the content is fabricated to promote Modi’s image.
In conclusion, the Modi biopic has become controversial and has sparked outrage and legal battles. While the filmmakers and the CBFC have insisted that the film is based on facts, the opposition parties and civil society groups claim that the biopic is a political tool to sway voters towards the ruling party. The release date of the film may have been delayed, but the controversy continues to rage on.