“The bio-pic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called ‘PM Narendra Modi’, is not a propaganda film. Everybody knows that he is already larger-than-life. The rise of a chaiwallah to Prime Minister was a real inspiration for me to do this film,” says filmmaker Omung Kumar.
Starring Vivek Oberoi in the title role, the movie chronicles the life of Modi from his childhood days till his rise as Prime Minister.
Omung, born in Chennai, is an art director, TV host and a popular filmmaker.
His bio-pics on Mary Kom and Sarabjit were critically-acclaimed and commercial successes, too.
In an exclusive interview to News Today, Omung Kumar, says, “It is an inspiring story. It is about inspiring people to do something. I am not looking at votes or anything.”
Excerpts from his interview:
Q: Is it a propaganda film?
Not at all. There is a perception among a few that it would campaign for Modi. I am non-political person. What is the need for me to do a film that simply attempts to glorify an individual? The rise of a chaiwallah (tea-seller) to Prime Minister inspired me to do this film. My only aim is always to do justice to the subject.
Q: Why are you keen on releasing it just before the elections?
A: We have been involved with the project for over two years. Just like you plan to release a movie for Ramzan or Deepavali, we chose April 2019. It was just a coincidence that election dates were announced for April-May. And now people think it is a propaganda film.
Q: Is it an attempt to project Modi as larger-than-life?
A: Why should I? He is already larger-than-life. I wanted the world to know his humble beginnings. He is popular among Indians not here but the entire world. I have stayed neutral as filmmaker.
Q: Do you think Vivek Oberoi fits the role well? When the first look pictures were released, he was trolled by netizens.
A: When I cast Priyanka Chopra for Mary Kom, I was trolled by many. People questioned how she can do the role. Did I not get a girl from the Northeast for the title role? Same is the case with Vivek Oberoi. He has done phenomenal work. Once the movie is out, people will appreciate him.
Q: How do you rate Modi as a leader?
A: He has proved his credentials. He is charismatic. He has a great appeal not just within the country but abroad, too. The movie speaks about his leadership qualities too.
Q: You have a romance for bio-pics? Will you do films in other genres?
A: I love to explore other genres, too. Though I attempt various kinds, people identify me with the bio-pics that I did.
Q: How do you see the growth of regional cinema?
A: It is unfair to call them regional cinema. The likes of Baahubali were excellent and out-of-the-world. It managed to do what Bollywood would not venture to do. Southern cinema has great technicians. I am, in fact, proud that I was born in Chennai.
PS: The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed the petition filed seeking a stay on the film ‘PM Narendra Modi’. Actor Vivek Oberoi took to his Twitter page to hail the apex court’s decision and declare the new release date of the movie – 11 April 2019.