Narendra Modi now has his own biopic. It will come out early next month. Modi is played by actor Vivek Oberoi, with Rajendra Gupta, Prashant Narayanan, Zarina Wahab, Barkha Bisht Sengupta, Boman Irani, Darshan Kumar and Yatin Karyekar, among others, in the supporting roles. This biopic was directed by Omung Kumar, who has earlier helmed films such “Mary Kom,” “Sarbjit and Bhoomi,” two of which were based on real-life characters.

“PM Narendra Modi” has been the most talked-about movie in India since word first came out about its impending release in January. The film toes the nationalistic line, in keeping, of course, with the leader’s political aspirations. Modi was never a friend of Muslim Indians, who yet make up half, if not more, of India’s population. Modi is gung-ho about Hindu nationalism. Scratch this, he is the embodiment of Hindu nationalism. And as such, this biopic, while looking certainly entertaining, can only be said to be a puff piece.

In the trailer Modi declares that his greatest love is for his country, and he is shown planting the flag in Kashmir, and threatening Pakistan with dire consequences for its support of terrorism. The dialogue overlaps with the public statements and stump speeches delivered by Modi and other political leaders of his party affiliation.

Essential Indian cinema

“Pather Panchali,”directed by Satyajit Ray (1955)
“Charulata, the lonely wife,” directed by Satyajit Ray (1964) [full movie available on Youtube] “Salaam Bombay!” directed by Mira Nair (1988)
“Fire,” directed by Mehta Deepa (1996) [full movie available on Youtube] “Kamasutra,” directed by Mira Nair (1996) [full movie available on Youtube] “My son the fanatic,” directed by Prasad Udayan (1997)
“My name is Khan,” directed by Johar Karan (2010)
(source: Screen Comment’s 100 Years of Must-see Movies)