After much delay and a fair share of controversies, the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was released on May 24. Omung Kumar, the director of the movie, in an interview to THE WEEK opens up about the research that has gone into the making of the movie, and says he had no ethical conflict in making the movie during the time the nation was going to polls.
Why do you says that PM Narendra Modi is not a propaganda film?
As the director, PM Narendra Modi is the story of an inspiring leader. In a biopic, you try to keep it as real to the story of the individual and there is no room for propaganda. My film is not a product of influence. It is simply the journey of a chaiwala who has become one of the tallest leaders of India.
How did you go about collecting information about the PM? How much of the plot is factual and how much is fictionalised?
I have been following the prime minister’s routine, also read about him in books and news articles...I followed his public appearances through video footage to understand the nuances for the role. I researched on the years when he was not in the limelight. It is difficult to reflect on every aspect of his life in two hours, but have tried to capture the major milestones of his life.
Don't you think it is unethical to make a film, right in the middle of elections, on a prime minister who is looking to get re-elected?
I don’t see any ethical conflict in making a film. Please understand that a film is a piece of creativity. This is cinema we are talking about. This film has been on the drawing board for the past three years. I mean look at Modi ji's life and it is the stuff film scripts are made of. If you make a film on a cricketer and release it during the World Cup, would that be considered unethical? We felt that around the elections interest in politicians peaks and hence decided to release it now. But there was absolutely no intention to use it as a tool. Look, people spend money and buy tickets to watch a film. It is an informed choice that a viewer makes based on so many factors. It is not that you are forcing people to watch it.
How did you decide that actor Vivek Oberoi would be the right person to play the PM?
Vivek and I worked together as judges in India’s Best Dramebaaz. We enjoyed working together and I often mentioned to him that I would love to work with him. During the shoot, Sandip Ssingh suggested we make the film and we unanimously decided that Vivek would be the best choice to play Mr Modi. Vivek didn't skip a heartbeat before saying yes. I couldn’t find anybody more suitable than him.
This is the third biopic that you are making. What fascinates you about them?
Well, biopics are inspiring and fascinating at the same time. The best part about it is that I get a chance to tell the unheard story about a person that audiences already know. I did run shy of making biopics at first especially after Mary Kom since I didn't want any tags. But after Sarbjit I felt biopics are perhaps the toughest to make and I love the challenge.
Out of all the interesting political personages in the country, what drew you to PM Modi? How did the film come about?
Mr. Narendra Modi is perhaps one of the most interesting political personalities of India. He is not your traditional politician, be it his life story or his oratory skills or his connect with people. He understands people and what people want. That is what drew me to him.
