Election Commission prevents release of #ModiBiopic till elections are over

The Election Commission has interrupted the release of Vivek Oberoi starrer movie the #ModiBiopic - PM Narendra Modi until the General Elections are over. The EC said the film, which was to release on April 11, "would disturb the level-playing field." Notably, the Supreme Court had rejected a plea to stop the release of the PM Modi biopic, saying the poll body should take the call.

The Congress party had alleged that the release of the biopic based on PM Modi at the time of national elections violates the Model Code of Conduct. "Modi biopic release violates the Model Code of Conduct" Congress said on a report. The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed a Congress leader's petition seeking to stall the release of the PM Modi biopic, saying "too much of court time is wasted on these non-issues." The film was scheduled to release on April 11, coinciding with the Lok Sabha polls.

Potential to affect level playing field: Election Commission

The Election Commission, on its part, said, "These (biopics on politicians) have potential to affect level playing field which is in consonance with Model Code of Conduct." The EC said these films "shouldn't be displayed in electronic media including cinematograph during MCC." Earlier on Wednesday, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) issued a "U" certificate to the biopic. 

"Any biopic that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in electronic media," the Election Commission has stated today in its directive.

Unsurprisingly, Vivek has been speaking good things about his movie. As the movie found itself in center of a political slugfest, Vivek defended it fiercely. He asked why was the movie's timing being questioned and said the Constitution gave him creative rights. The self-proclaimed admirer of PM Modi went as far as asking if Opposition parties were scared of "Chowkidar ka danda".

Subsequently, Congress called him a flop hero of a bogus movie.