Modi consents, Paresh Rawal being considered for lead.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: Bollywood film producers are putting together a biographical film on the life of Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
The film would be the next on a growing list of biopics being produced by the world’s most prolific film industry, which has recently seen an increase in the popularity of such films.
Producer/director Mitesh Patel is at the helm of the feature, and is currently scouting locations for shooting. Patel said that he is inspired by Modi’s life story, which has all the makings of a compelling film – a young man who, through hard work and determination, became one of the most influential and talked about politicians in the world’s largest democracy. He adds that the film will have some fictional elements in order to heighten the film’s drama, but will largely be based in the truth of Modi’s actual life.
The announcement of a Narendra Modi biopic comes at a time where the genre has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity in India. This summer, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – a biopic about Olympic runner Milkha Singh, starring Farhan Akhtar and Sonam Kapoor – raced past 100 crore at the box office to become one of the all-time biggest hits.
Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are currently at work on a biopic of Olympic boxer Mary Kom, as well. While films such as 2007’s Guru were supposedly based on political or industrial leaders, they did not explicitly mention names or officially credit their inspirations; Modi’s biopic, on the other hand, will use real-life names, dates, and locations.
It remains to be seen what effect, if any, a Modi-based Bollywood film will have on the upcoming elections, in which Modi is heavily favored to be the BJP’s candidate for Prime Minister. The controversial Chief Minister has been in the news for a number of reasons recently; earlier this week, he was officially denied a visa to enter the US for his alleged involvement in the Gujarat riots of 2002, an accusation Modi’s camp has debunked over the years.
Despite not being legally required to seek Modi’s permission for making the biopic, Patel said that the filmmakers have done that to avoid any trouble down the road. When asked if he has anyone in mind to portray the Gujarat leader on-screen, Patel mentioned Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal as the leading candidate. A firm timeline for production and release has yet to be announced.
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com