'Unabashedly unidimensional' PM Narendra Modi cannot be released before 19 May: EC

The Election Commission (EC) has put, what looks like, the final nail in the coffin as far as the release of the movie PM Narendra Modi before the end of the elections is concerned. After watching the biopic of India’s prime minister Narendra Modi, the EC has come to a conclusion that the film can be released only after the last phase of the ongoing general elections ends on 19 May.

In its report, the EC said that releasing the film before the elections are over will tilt the electoral balance towards BJP. “The committee is of the considered view that the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' during the period of model code of conduct will tilt the electoral balance of the particular political party, therefore, the public screening of the movie PM Narendra Modi should not be allowed till last date of poll on May 19 in the ongoing elections [sic],” said the report.

Directed by Omung Kumar B, the film stars Vivek Anand Oberoi in the role of Modi. The actor’s father Suresh Oberoi is one of the producers of the film.

The EC also mentioned that they felt that the movie is not a biopic but a hagiography. It also raised concerns of showing the opposition Congress party in bad light. “Eulogising of the character Narendra Modi is very clear right through the movie. More than biography, it is hagiography. There are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers [sic],” added the report.

The EC also felt that the movie “produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status. The construct of this 135-minute movie is unabashedly unidimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. It ends up eulogising an individual, giving him a saintly status.”

The EC produced its report after the Supreme Court asked them to submit their view on the film last week. The SC was acting on the plea filed by the makers of the movie against the EC decision of not allowing the film to release before the end of the elections.