The DMK has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the new Narendra Modi biopic seeking that the release of the film be deferred since it may ‘impact election promotions.’ The movie, which is titled PM Narendra Modi and stars Vivek Oberoi in the lead role, is scheduled to hit the screens on April 5, a week before the first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
Writing to the Election Commission’s Officer in Coimbatore, the District Dept Secretary of the DMK Engineer Wing, PS Arasu Bupathi has stated that the movie shows the Prime Minister’s current political lifestyle and may impact the outcome of the elections.
“We wish to draw your kind attention towards the bad condition of election rules in India. Cinema is a major source of advertisement,” the letter to the Election Commission states.
DMK has sought that the movie be temporarily banned till May 19, 2019. May 19 is the last day of elections in India. Election results will be announced on May 23.
“The movie should not be allowed to be released before the elections, it is a propaganda movie and should only be allowed to release after the elections. They should also not release the trailer and the trailer should be taken down,” DMK spokesperson Saravanan told TNM.
The release date of the movie, originally slated for April 12, was advanced by a week The The movie’s trailer was released on Thursday and featured Vivek Oberoi playing Narendra Modi through various stages of his life. The film has been produced by Sandip Ssingh, Anand Pandit and Suresh Oberoi and will be released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.
Earlier this week, the Congress in Goa had written to the Election Commission of India seeking a ban on the release of the movie. The Congress’ student wing, National Student’s Union in India, had claimed that the movie was a ‘propaganda by the BJP to influence voters’ during the Lok Sabha elections and was thus in violation of the model code of conduct.
The model code of conduct came into place on March 10. The 2019 Lok Sabha Elections will be held in 7 phases from April 11, 2019. The results will be announced on May 23.