SC asks Election Commission to 'watch the movie' to review ban on PM Narendra Modi biopic

In the midst of the ongoing general elections in India, the Supreme Court has now directed the Election Commission to watch the biopic PM Narendra Modi and review their stay on the film. The makers of the film had filed a plea in the Supreme Court on Friday (12 April) citing their 'freedom of speech and expression'.

The Election Commission had directed a stay on the film after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film on 10 April. The stay was announced a day before the film's theatrical release on 11 April.

However, the makers of the film filed a plea in the Supreme Court citing that their 'freedom of speech and expression' was being affected by the Election Commission's decision.

Hearing the plea, the Supreme Court enquired if the Election Commission had watched the film before declaring the stay on the film. On a negative reply, the court directed the commission to view the film and review if it 'disturbs level playing field', as the Commission had stated in its order.

The counsel for the makers of the film pointed out that the court had earlier disposed a petition seeking a ban on the film citing that any ban on the film ought to be taken by the CBFC. The counsel also cited that the Election Commission's directive affected the makers' rights as artistes to 'freedom of expression'.

The makers have also agreed to hold a preview of the film for the commission before Friday to submit a review to the Supreme Court in a 'sealed envelope'.

Earlier on Saturday, the trailer and promos of the film, PM Narendra Modi, were taken off the YouTube digital platform by the makers. Reports suggest that the move was initiated on the intervention of the Election Commission.

In addition to the film, the EC has also questioned the streaming platform, Eros Now, about its ongoing web-series, Modi: The Journey Of A Common Man, which is also based on the life of the incumbent prime minister, Narendra Modi.

PM Narendra Modi is directed by Omung Kumar B and features Vivek Anand Oberoi as Modi.