Putting an end to speculations and debates, the Election Commission, on Wednesday, banned the release of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic. Titled PM Narendra Modi, the Omung Kumar-directorial features Vivek Oberoi in the titular role.
Saying that political biopics pose a threat to the level playing field during elections, the EC also banned release of Udyama Simham, biopic of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
Set to be released on April 11, PM Narendra Modi has been criticised by the opposition parties, who claim that the biopic could give undue advantage to the 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 stay on the film's release, saying the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal. The CBFC, on Wednesday, issued a 'Universal' certificate to the film.
The Election Commission has banned release of any political biopic during the seven-phase polls which begin on April 11 and continue till May 19.
-with inputs from PTI