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Movie Reviews

PM Narendra Modi Review: The Omung Kumar directed biopic releases at an apt time- when PM Modi secures his electoral win!

Vivek Anand Oberoi nails the portrayal of PM Narendra Modi to the T.

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The biopic of PM Narendra Modi has been fraught with controversy from the word go. The 136-minute film is supposedly releasing in 23 Indian languages. Beginning shooting in January 2019, the film was shot and readied for release in record time, but came up against numerous obstacles, when the Goa unit of the student wing of the Congress Party, wrote to the Election Commission to ban the screening of the film, claiming that it  violated the model code of conduct of elections. The Supreme Court of India rejected the plea saying that the Election Commission needed to address this issue. Originally scheduled to release on 12th April, the EC stopped the release of the movie till the elections were over, to avoid any risk, saying that any biopic that had the potential to disturb the level playing field during the elections could not be displayed in the electronic media.  And so the film release date was shifted to 24th May, and what a day it will be for the filmmakers, considering the outcome of the Election as it was revealed today!

What it’s about: The film is inspired by and based on the life of Narendra Damodardas Modi, current Prime Minister, (the 14th PM of Independent India) and traces his story from childhood to the day he marches to Delhi to be sworn in as The Prime Minister of the country. It portrays his struggle to make his mark in the business of politics, without money or status, coming as he did from humble beginnings, but purely on the strength of his ‘incredible’ character! The film was shot entirely in Uttarkashi and Gujarat.

Yay: Vivek Anand Oberoi as PM Narendra Modi not just looks the part due to some excellent make-up by Preetisheel Singh, but lives the role perfectly, that you barely glimpse the actor. You only see Modi. Everything from his body language to his tonal inflections and posture and gait have been worked on perfectly. Zarina Wahab as his mother plays her part with emotion and stoicism, creating a poignant relationship between her and her son. Manoj Joshi is also highly effective in his role resembling Amit Shah. Mukesh Chhabra and his team have cast perfectly the entire bunch of actors, both, in terms of looks as well as performances. Prashant Narayanan as Adityavarma Reddy, the scheming industrialist walking the corridors of power and politics is also effectively played. And oh yes, Boman Irani was brilliant in a 5 minute cameo as Sir Ratan Tata.

Also, the part about Narendra Modi’s early life before he joined the RSS, when he goes north to the Himalayas in search of his self and purpose is nicely done. Thanks to some good cinematography by Sunita Radia.

Nay: The film is ‘oh so paint me pink’ (can’t even say that without being politically incorrect) – an out-and-out propaganda vehicle, that glorifies Modi, absolves him of all things negative that he was accused of, even going so far as to show him as a  victim of political games and opposition tactics when it came to the Godhra riots. It is blatantly obsequious and smarmy in parts. Claiming to use material from three existing books on the man, one is doubtful about how far they have stretched the truth. It is Narendra Modi the perfect child, the ideal and idealistic youngster, growing into the Karmayogi and ‘asli mard’ to take over the chair In Delhi – all too golden. Dr Manmohan Singh’s caricature came across in bad taste. And the moments of bombastic and dramatic sweeping jibes taken at near everyone opposing the man ring completely hollow- making it laughable.  And yes, the chai making scene in the halls of the ministry!

The rest of this Omung Kumar directed feature, leaves you still wishing to know what metal, not mettle, the Prime Minister is made of really. The film is jointly produced by Anand Pandit, Suresh Oberoi, Acharya Manish and Sandip Ssingh. Vivek Oberoi has also been given credit as co-writer of screenplay and dialogues for the story, along with Anirudh Chawla, and Harsh Limbachiyaa. Story credit has Sandeep Ssingh’s name.

CineBlitz Verdict: Narendra Modi Bhakts may predictably throng the theatres after today’s sweeping victory. Since the makers have made it with the utmost sincerity, watch it. But don’t be surprised if you emerge from the cinema hall, sputtering and incredulous at the sheer nerve of this portrayal. We are sure it’s had the blessing of the PM though. It could truly indulge a megalomaniac. All those cinematic liberties in the disclaimer at the beginning have been fully exercised, and calculatingly used. This one is for the believers!

Rating: 2.5 stars

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