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EC to consult legal experts on PM Modi biopic, makers say film to hit theatres on April 11

The Election Commission had earlier cleared the release of the biopic stating that the film has not violated the model code of conduct.

EC to consult legal experts on PM Modi biopic, makers say film to hit theatres on April 11

Actor Vivek Oberoi dressed up as Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "PM Narendra Modi" in Mumbai. (File Photo: IANS)

The Election Commission on Friday decided to consult its legal experts before taking a final decision on whether to restrain the release of PM Narendra Modi biopic till the Lok Sabha polls are over.

“The matter is now in the Supreme Court where it is listed for April 8. Since the EC has been made a party, the commission will discuss the situation with its legal experts on the way forward,” a functionary explained.

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Sources said there is a strong view in the EC that it should not restrain the release of the biopic on the prime minister and should leave it to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take a call on the issue.

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However, film’s producer Sandip Singh said on Friday that the biopic on PM Modi will hit theatres on April 11.

“‘PM Narendra Modi’ is officially releasing on April 11, 2019,” tweeted producer Sandip Ssingh, along with the film’s poster.

The announcement comes just a day after the film’s makers deferred its release from April 5, following the Supreme Court’s decision to set the date to hear a plea seeking to block the movie’s release, for April 8.

The censor board had also said the film was still undergoing due process of examination and certification.

The film was originally set to release on April 12 but producers had advanced it by a week, claiming “public demand”.

The Election Commission had earlier cleared the release of the biopic stating that the film has not violated the model code of conduct.

Opposition parties including the Congress had moved the poll body stating that the purpose of the release was “political” to get extra mileage in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The film, fronted by Vivek Oberoi and directed by “Mary Kom” maker Omung Kumar, has courted controversy with various political parties saying that releasing it less than a week before the general elections begin is a violation of the model code of conduct.

The movie showcases the trajectory of PM Modi’s life, from his formative years with the RSS, his chief ministership in Gujarat and how he led his party to a majority victory in 2014 and thereby becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls will begin on April 11 and end on May 19. The model code of conduct, which among other things, calls for an even playing field for all parties and candidates, came into force on March 10 when the elections were announced.

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