Starring Vivek Oberoi, the PM Modi biopic is directed by Omung Kumar. (File)
Officials of the Election Commission watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic "PM Narendra Modi" on directions of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The Election commission had stopped the movie's release, saying that any biopic "which has the potential to disturb the level playing field during the elections should not be displayed in the electronic media".
After viewing the biopic, the Election Commission will decide whether the ban should continue. It will submit decision to the Supreme Court by April 19 in a sealed cover.
A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna had said it will consider the Election Commission' report and hear the matter on April 22.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers, said the poll panel had taken the decision after watching just the promo had not watch the entire movie.
The Election Commision had stalled the release of the film until the Lok Sabha polls end, saying any such film that subserves the purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in electronic media.
Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had asserted that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field should not be displayed in areas where the model code of conduct was in force.
"PM Narendra Modi", featuring Vivek Oberoi in the lead, has been the most-talked about movie in this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie traces PM Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings.