Biopic on PM Modi lands into trouble
The planned release of Bollywood’s biopic on Indian PM Narendra Modi days before the start of Indian elections has landed into trouble with a court challenge pending and reportedly the censor board has yet to clear its opening in theaters.
The Indian opposition parties are reported to be protesting over the film’s release before the election, that would unfairly advantage Modi’s Hindu nationalist party as it seeks reelection.
According to the news source the Indian Supreme Court set Monday, 8 April hearing date for a Congress party petition demanding the movie’s release be deferred until voting concludes in mid-May.
The Indian Supreme Court on Friday refused urgent listing of a plea seeking a stay on the release of the biopic on PM Modi.
The Bollywood film could not be screened as planned on Friday because the censor board hasn’t certified it for release.
Film producer Sandip Singh tweeted on late Thursday, “This is to confirm, our film ‘PM Narendra Modi’ is not releasing on 5th April. Will update soon”.
Furthermore, Vivek Oberoi, who is playing the titular character, has said the Congress party was trying to block the movie’s release because it was scared of Modi’s popularity.
In an interview with a news channel, Oberoi, 42, said that the screening of the movie would not violate the code of conduct for national elections.
The 2019 Indian general elections have been scheduled to be held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and the results will also be declared on the same day.
