Seesaw Effect For Modi’s Biopic: Election Commission Bans Movie Release Soon After Thumbs Up By CBFC

Putting an end to the speculations surrounding the release of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biopic, “PM Modi”, the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday banned the release of any biopic, including the Vivek Oberoi starrer, reports CNBC TV.

Clearing the Censor Board’s test, the movie was scheduled to release on April 11, the same day when the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to begin.

The EC, in its statement, said, "Any Biopic material in nature of biography sub serving the purpose of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, which has potential to disturb level playing field during the election, should not be displayed in Electronic media including cinematograph."

Dismissing a petition filed by a Congress activist seeking stay on the film's release, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, stated that the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek redressal.

The movie, directed by Omung Kumar, underwent heavy criticism by the opposition parties, who claim that the biopic could provide undue advantage to BJP in the polls as it will arrive in theatres before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.