Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and producer of film “PM Narendra Modi”, Sandeep Singh on Thursday met the Election Commission (EC) after complaints were filed over the release of the upcoming movie “Prime Minister Narendra Modi” the biopic on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ban of its trailer in light of the Model Code of Code (MCC) being in force ahead of the Lok Sabha election. The duo had discussions with the poll officials on the release date of the Modi’s biopic which is set to release on April 5, merely a week before the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 11.
Accompanied with his lawyer Hitesh Jain, actor Vivek Oberoi met officials of the EC and responded to all queries raised by the Commission. Speaking to the media, Oberoi’s lawyer, Hitesh Jain said that that they have filed a detailed response to the notice received from the EC. “We have submitted that biopic PM Narendra Modi is not in violation of Model Code of Conduct.”
When asked, whether the movie would be released as on its scheduled date, Oberai’s lawyer said: “ We have already announced the release date. However we will wait and watch”. The EC has earlier sent a notice to four producers of the upcoming film ‘PM Narendra Modi”. EC had earlier sent notices to two newspapers on 20 March over publishing ‘PM Narendra Modi’ film’s poster for promotions.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Chief Electoral Office sent a notice to the makers of the biopic after it felt that the film was allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. On 20 March, East Delhi Returning Officer K Mahesh, suo motu, issued notices to the production house and music company behind the film, and two leading newspapers for publishing advertisements of the biopic.
Congress and the CPM had complained to the commission about the film’s release, saying it’s being done with political intent. Senior Congress leaders including Kapil Sibal had held a meeting with the Election Commission on Monday demanding to postpone the release of the film “PM Narendra Modi” — the biopic on PM Modi starring Vivek Oberoi and produced by Sandip Ssingh — alleging that the film violates the model code of conduct ahead of the Lok Sabha 2019 elections.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with the Election Commission officers in New Delhi, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal not only targeted the BJP party, but also the makers (Producer Sandip Ssingh) and actors (Vivek Oberoi) of the PM Modi biopic saying that the film is a “corrupt practice” and “launch of the film is motivated” ahead of the General Elections.
A delegation of the CPI and the CPI(M) on Tuesday met Election Commission officials and demanded that release of the film based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi be deferred, claiming it to be a “propaganda material”.
CPI’s D Raja and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Nilotpal Basu met the poll panel officials on March 25 and also pointed out serious law and order situations in Tripura and West Bengal.
The Model Code of Conduct came into effect from March 10 across the State on the day when the Election Commission announced the dates for elections which are scheduled to begin from April 11, while the results are to be announced on May 23.
Directed by Omung Kumar, the biopic on India’s incumbent Prime Minister - Narendra Modi - features Vivek Oberoi and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. Prior, it was expected to release on April 12, but given the elections were due to begin a day earlier, the release was preponed to April 5.