New Delhi: The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, starring Vivek Oberoi, has received a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), ending days of uncertainty over its release.
The film, titled PM Narendra Modi and directed by Omung Kumar, has been criticised by opposition parties, who claim that the biopic could give undue advantage to BJP in the polls as it will arrive in theatres before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition filed by a Congress activist seeking a stay on the film’s release, saying the Election Commission would be an “appropriate” place to seek the redressal.
The CBFC issued a ‘Universal’ certificate to the film ahead of its release on April 11, the same day when the seven-phase polls begin.
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“We are very happy that we got the ‘U’ certificate from the Censor Board, and finally the film is releasing on April 11. We are also very relieved that the Supreme Court has rejected the plea…It is clear now from everywhere,” producer Sandeep Singh said in a statement.
“I hope no political parties across India have any problem, because the Election Commission, the CBFC, and all courts have cleared all pleas, and our film is ready for release. We are grateful to everyone who prayed for us,” he added.
Producer Anand Pandit said that “justice has been served” as the film has cleared its “final hurdle” towards getting released in theatres.
The Election Commission had earlier written to the CBFC to inform it about the status of certification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biopic.
Sources said that the EC decided to write to CBFC after the Supreme Court refused to stop the release of the film.