Breaking his silence over the controversy surrounding the movie 'The Accidental Prime Minister', based on a book by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's media advisor Sanjaya Baru, Anupam Kher has said that those criticising the film should actually back it to be India's official entry for Oscars.
Anupam Kher, who plays Manmohan Singh in the Vijay Gutte directed movie, said the film is being released only after getting permission from the Censor Board.
"We have not made the film quietly. The film was announced two years back and every newspaper knew. My look came into newspapers and now the film is censored. We waited for the film to get censored, whether it was the trailer or whether it is the film, then only we announced the release of the film. We have in fact only 15 days left for the film to come out. Energy, money and a lot of research have gone into this," Kher told news agency ANI.
Citing examples of films on Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi, Anupam Kher said when films on influential personalities are made abroad their actors get Oscar recognition, similarly his name should also be nominated for the prestigious award.
Underlining that 'facts can't be changed' while making a biopic, Anupam Kher said the movie is based on a book released in 2014. "The book is written by a man who was very close to the prime minister at that time. This book was was either ignored or people moved on after its release. So why this hue and cry now?" the actor asked.
Manmohan Singh evades comment
Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh evaded questions regarding the movie and the growing controversy over it. However, Congress leaders described it as the BJP's propaganda.
The trailer of the movie shows Manmohan Singh as a victim of the Congress' internal politics ahead of the the 2014 general elections.
“Riveting tale of how a family held the country to ransom for 10 long years. Was Dr Singh just a regent who was holding on to the PM's chair till the time heir was ready? Watch the official trailer of 'The Accidental Prime Minister', based on an insider's account, releasing on 11 January," a tweet from BJP's official Twitter handle said.
Responding to the BJP, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter that “such fake propaganda” by the party would not stop it from asking the Modi government questions on "rural distress, rampant unemployment, demonetisation disaster, flawed GST, failed Modinomics, all pervading corruption”.
Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said propaganda against the Congress and its leaders would not work and the truth shall prevail.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also tweeted on the film, saying, "Can’t wait for when they make The Insensitive Prime Minister. So much worse than being the accidental one."
The film, which is slated to hit cinema halls on January 11, stars Akshaye Khanna as Sanjaya Baru.
WATCH: Anupam Kher breaks his silence over 'The Accidental Prime Minister' controversy
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