In 2014, policy analyst and former media advisor to the Indian Prime Minister from 2004 to 2008, Sanjaya Baru published the book The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh. Though the then PMO had released a statement dismissing the veracity of the book, Baru claimed that he wrote the book to show Dr Singh in a positive light and because he wanted there to be empathy for him. This book is now to be made in to a biopic. Here is what we know so far:
The movie The Accidental Prime Minister is an adaptation of Baru’s book and will feature veteran actor Anupam Kher in the titular role of India's former PM and world renowned economist. The film is slated for release in the end of 2018.
Mehta is the acclaimed director of films such as Dil pe mat le Yaar and Shahid, based on human rights activist Shahid Azmi, which won him a National Award for direction. Most recently he directed the much acclaimed Aligarh.
The poster of The Accidental Prime Minster was released; showing the side profile of Kher sporting the turban, glasses and facial hair of Dr Manmohan Singh. Some commentators have pointed out the resemblance between the real and reel versions as ‘uncanny’.
Meanwhile the head of the Central Board for Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalani issued a statement saying that appropriate permissions from Dr Singh and Sonai Gandhi will be required to be obtained for certification of the film (which will be after his tenure he clarified).
He is a part of the highly successful Salim-Sulaiman duo who have composed songsfor films such as Rocket Singh, Band Baaja Baraat, Rabne Banadi Jodi and also contributed some brillaint compotitions to Coke Studio. He confirmed that he is proud to be associated with the film.
Many T‘wits’ of course tweeted that they were wondering if the movie would have any dialogues or that this was to be a non-speaking role; unusually for Anupam Kher… #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister started to trend with tweets like the ones above.
…the closeness of Kher with the current regime; hinting at the fact that Kher is said to be angling for a seat in the Rajaya Sabha and is a well known and very vocal supporter of the current Prime Minister.
The original book by Baru was published in April 2014, just before the Loksabha polls. The release of the film (slated for the end of 2018) will also be shortly before the general election. Commentators are wondering if the timing is deliberate and whether this is significant.
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