Makers of Modi biopic seek Election Commission's clarification on stay of film's release

The makers of the biopic 'PM Narendra Modi' on Saturday sought clarifications from the Election Commission on its decision to staythe release of the movie.

In a letter to the EC, the makers of the movie stated, "We seek clarification in this regard from your office as we intend to promote film in areas which are no more affected by MCC after the end of polling on 29.4.19".

The Election Commission had earlier this week stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19 which is when the general elections get over.

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The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi.

In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party.

The EC said "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."

It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes.

(With inputs from agencies)