The Election Commission of India (EC), on Wednesday, 10 April, banned the release of the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during poll season, just a day before it was slated to be released. In its order, the commission said that "any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media."
The first phase of Lok Sabha elections starts Thursday, 11 April.
The Vivek-Oberoi-starrer biopic, which was scheduled to be released on 11 April, had received a 'Universal' certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) merely hours before the EC ban.
A Modi Biopic, NaMo TV, and Now TV Serials Campaigning For Modi?
The EC, in its statement said:
"...any biopic material in the nature of biography/hagiography sub-serving the purpose of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, intended to or has the potential to disturb the level playing field of the elections, shall not be put to display in electronic media, in the area where the model code of conduct is in place."
The film, titled "PM Narendra Modi" and directed by Omung Kumar, had been facing criticism from the Opposition parties, who claimed that the biopic could give undue advantage to the BJP in the polls.
SC's Refusal to Interfere
Earlier, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, 9 April, had dismissed a petition filed by a Congress activist seeking stay on the release of the biopic, and said the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal.
The plea had sought deferment of the biopic's release till the completion of the coming Lok Sabha polls, alleging that it was designed to "manipulate, influence and impress viewers and voters". |
