Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Narendra Modi's journey began in humble circumstances as a tea seller in Vadnagar, Gujarat. Growing up in a modest family, he faced financial challenges from an early age, which instilled a sense of determination and resilience in him. At a young age, he made the pivotal choice to leave home, opting to pursue a spiritual path as a Sanyasi in the Himalayas. This quest for meaning and purpose laid a strong foundation for his future, as he absorbed the ethos of dedication and service during his time away from home. His decision not to marry Jashodaben Modi underscored his commitment to his ideals and ambitions.
Political Ascent and Early Contributions
After returning to Gujarat, Modi began his political journey as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organization dedicated to the service and upliftment of the nation. His political acumen became evident during the tumultuous period of the 1975 State of Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Modi's fearless activism during these challenging times established his reputation as a staunch advocate for democracy. In 1980, he transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he took on significant responsibilities, including leading the Ekta Yatra, a campaign aimed at unifying the diverse Indian populace. His audacious act of planting the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, amid threats from terrorist groups, further solidified his image as a national leader committed to India's integrity.
Leadership in Gujarat
Modi’s work within Gujarat was marked by grassroots initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people. His dedication and effective strategies contributed significantly to the BJP's rise in the state, culminating in the party's victory in the Gujarat Chief Minister elections with Keshubhai Patel at the helm. Despite this initial success, Modi faced hostility from within the party, leading to his temporary transfer to New Delhi. However, his political acumen and grassroots connection were recognized, resulting in his return to Gujarat in 2001, right before one of the state’s most catastrophic events, the Gujarat earthquake. Rising to the occasion, he was appointed as the Chief Minister following Patel’s resignation, positioning him to lead the state through difficult times.
Challenging Times and Crisis Management
Modi’s term as Chief Minister was immediately tested by the 2002 Gujarat riots, a dark chapter in the state's history characterized by communal violence. Facing immense pressure, Modi sought assistance from both state and federal governments but confronted challenges in diffusing the situation. His decisive governance, grounded in law and order management, eventually brought stability back to the region. Following the riots, he faced further challenges, including a terrorist attack on the revered Akshardham Temple. Modi's adept handling of these crises demonstrated his capability to restore order and instigate rebuilding efforts, including infrastructure developments and attracting investments from both national and international businesses.
Rise to Prime Ministership
The resultant transformation of Gujarat under Modi's leadership did not go unnoticed. With visible development and governance reforms, the BJP leadership recognized his potential and nominated him as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. Modi took to the campaign trail, connecting with voters across India and utilizing innovative strategies to communicate his vision for the nation. His exponential popularity garnered attention, inadvertently putting him in the crosshairs of terrorist plots against him. Nevertheless, his resilience shone through when he survived an assassination attempt, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his cause.
Culmination of a Journey
The narrative culminates with Modi’s oath-taking ceremony as the 14th Prime Minister of India, symbolizing not just a personal victory but also fulfilling a long-held aspiration to serve his country on a larger scale. This transformation from a humble tea seller to the nation's leader highlights the complex interplay of determination, leadership, and dedicated service to the nation, marking a significant chapter in India's contemporary political landscape.
Casting Decisions in Modi Biopic
In the realm of Indian cinema, the portrayal of prominent political figures often generates considerable buzz, and the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is no exception. Initially, the talented actor Paresh Rawal was set to portray Modi in a project he was producing himself. Rawal's deep understanding of diverse roles and his impressive acting range suggested he would bring a nuanced depiction of the Prime Minister to the big screen. His commitment to the film raised expectations among fans and the industry alike.
However, the landscape of the project changed dramatically when a competing film about Prime Minister Modi was announced, leading to a parallel production scenario. The filmmakers decided to cast Vivek Oberoi in the lead role, which marked a significant shift in the project's trajectory. Oberoi, known for his charismatic screen presence and prior success in various roles, was seen as a fitting choice to embody the complex persona of Modi. This casting choice not only highlighted the intense interest in Modi's story but also underscored the fierce competition in the film industry.
The biopic's development reflected broader themes in Indian cinema— the interplay between politics, celebrity, and storytelling. With numerous films and documentaries centered around influential figures, it is evident that the narrative of Modi's life is seen as a meaningful subject that resonates with the Indian audience. Such films not only aim to entertain but also seek to provide insight into the life experiences and ideologies of their subjects, offering viewers a glimpse into the political landscape of India through a personalized lens.
Principal Photography
The filming of the much-anticipated project commenced on 28 January 2019 in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This city was chosen not only for its scenic beauty but also for its historical significance in relation to the life of Narendra Modi, as it played a central role in his early years. The film aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of Modi's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in Indian politics.
As the narrative progressed to depict crucial events unfolding in Modi's life, some key scenes were shot in the picturesque Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This location was instrumental in capturing the essence of the serene yet challenging landscapes that shaped Modi's formative years. The filmmakers sought to highlight how these environments influenced his personal and political ideologies.
The final phase of filming took place in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, a city known for its dynamic energy and as a hub for the Indian film industry. However, the shooting was not without its challenges. Actor Vivek Oberoi, who portrayed Modi, sustained an injury while performing a demanding scene in Uttarkashi. This incident underscored the physical toll that intense filmmaking can take and highlighted the dedication of cast and crew in bringing such an ambitious project to life.
Overall, the filming process involved meticulous planning and execution to ensure that every aspect of Modi's life was authentically represented on screen, offering audiences a fascinating insight into the man who would eventually lead India as Prime Minister.
Soundtrack
The music of the film plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall emotional and narrative experience, making it memorable for the audience. Composed by the talented duo Hitesh Modak and Shashi-Khushi, the soundtrack is rich with diverse musical influences, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with various demographics. The lyrics have been crafted by renowned lyricists including Javed Akhtar, Prasoon Joshi, Sameer, Abhendra Upadhyay, Irshad Kamil, Parry G., and Lavraj, each bringing their unique style to the project.
Interestingly, the soundtrack features two notable songs from earlier Indian films, adding a layer of nostalgia for viewers. The first is "Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon" from the unfinished 1997 film Dus, which starred popular actors Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. The second track, "Ishwar Allah," originates from the 1999 film 1947: Earth, which starred Aamir Khan and Nandita Das, reflecting on themes of love and humanity amidst the backdrop of partition. Initially, both Javed Akhtar and Sameer were taken aback to find their names associated with the film, as they were unaware that their previously written songs would be reimagined for this new project. Through social media, they expressed their surprise, clarifying that they had not contributed any new material for this soundtrack. The film's producer, Sandip Ssingh, later addressed this misunderstanding, explaining that the credits were accurately assigned due to the inclusion of their songs from past films.
In addition to the works of seasoned lyricists, music composer Shashi Suman, part of the Shashi-Khushi duo, collaborated with music producer Meghdeep Bose on several invigorating songs, including "Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki," "Hindustani," and "Fakeera." Each of these tracks has been crafted to not only supplement the film's narrative but also to evoke a strong connection with cultural roots and social sentiments. The collaboration exemplifies the dynamic nature of modern Indian cinema, wherein traditional influences harmoniously intersect with contemporary musical expressions, creating a soundtrack that is both innovative and deeply resonant.
Marketing and Release Controversy
The Goa unit of the National Student's Union of India, affiliated with the Congress Party, has expressed serious concerns regarding the upcoming film on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They have formally approached the Election Commission with a request to suspend the film's screening, arguing that it contravenes the model code of conduct that governs electoral fairness. This action underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding political representation in media, especially in the lead-up to elections. Furthermore, a plea to the Supreme Court aimed at halting the film's release was dismissed, with the court affirming that such matters fall within the purview of the Election Commission, reinforcing the latter's authority in maintaining electoral integrity.
On April 9, 2019, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a 'U' certificate, which signifies that it is suitable for all audiences. The film has a runtime of 130 minutes, and its release was initially met with various legal hurdles. The Election Commission intervened to prevent the film's distribution during the election period, arguing that a biopic portraying a political figure like Modi could disrupt the balance of the electoral playing field. Their decision reflects a broader concern about how media representations can influence voter opinions and the overall democratic process.
Despite these challenges, the film eventually premiered worldwide on May 24, 2019. Just a day before this date, a promotional poster was unveiled featuring the tagline, "Aa rahe hain dobara, ab koi nahin rok sakta," which translates to "Coming back again, now no one can stop [us]." This slogan clearly alludes to Modi's anticipated success in the 2019 elections, a theme likely meant to energize supporters. The film's production team, including producers Suresh Oberoi and Sandeep Singh, had previously shared a first-look poster on January 7, 2019, introducing Vivek Oberoi in the title role.
The involvement of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, which was established by the Election Commission to oversee electoral media content, indicates the rigorous scrutiny that political films face. The committee has already taken action in response to an advertisement that appeared in two Hindi newspapers, using an image of Narendra Modi to promote the film's trailer. This further highlights the commission's commitment to ensuring that any promotional activities related to media content do not interfere with the electoral process, maintaining the integrity of democratic practices in India.
Critics have universally denounced the film depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling it as a hagiography that overly glorifies its subject at the expense of a more nuanced portrayal. Ananya Bhattacharya from India Today highlighted a significant bias in the film, arguing that even the most contentious aspects of Modi's past, such as the Godhra riots, are unfairly attributed to the opposition, illustrating a clear narrative strategy to paint Modi as a benevolent leader who is devoted to his people. This angle raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in presenting historical events and figures, particularly in a politically charged environment.
Nandini Ramnath from Scroll.in articulated that any potential insights into Modi’s ascent to power appear to be accidental, overshadowed by a relentless singular focus on the Prime Minister himself. This raises critical discussions regarding the role of cinema in shaping political narratives and its potential use as a propagandistic tool. Such films can significantly influence public perception and political discourse, especially in a diverse and democratic society like India, where the impact of media is profound and far-reaching.
The reception of the film among critics has not been overly positive, with Renuka Vyavahare from The Times of India giving it a mediocre two and a half stars, criticizing the uneven script that leaves numerous questions unanswered. She noted the film's assertion that "Modi ek insaan nahi, soch hai," while expressing a desire for deeper, more introspective storytelling. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the performance of the lead actor, Oberoi, praising his ability to capture Modi's mannerisms and speech without excessive dramatization.
Similarly, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express assigned the film two stars, emphasizing its departure from being a mere biographical account to a full-throttled glorification of Modi. This sentiment was echoed by Kennith Rosario from The Hindu, who described the narrative as an "obsequious love letter" to the Prime Minister, questioning the film's sincerity in capturing the complexities of Modi's leadership. Such critiques point to a broader apprehension about the blurring lines between media representation and political propaganda.
The film's reception has also sparked considerable debate in the political arena in India, with the main opposition party accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of leveraging Bollywood as a vehicle for propaganda. It suggests a deliberate intertwining of nationalist fervor and the strongman image of Modi, reflecting a wider trend where cinema is employed to bolster political agendas. This raises vital discussions about the implications of such portrayals for democracy and public discourse in India, as the power of storytelling shapes collective memory and historical narrative.
Box Office Performance Summary
The film had an impressive start at the box office, collecting between ₹2.25 and ₹2.5 million nett on its opening day. This initial performance positioned it as the second best-performing film upon release in India that day, following the Disney adaptation of "Aladdin" (2019). This strong opening set a promising tone for the film's run.
In its subsequent days, the film continued to attract audiences, earning ₹3 crore nett on its second day, showcasing an increasing trend that one might expect from a highly anticipated release. Furthermore, weekend collections were bolstered with a growth to ₹4.25 crore nett on Sunday, indicating positive word-of-mouth and audience interest. However, the following week brought a slight decline, with Monday’s earnings seeing a drop of approximately 20 percent to ₹1.85 crore nett. Tuesday's earnings further dipped to ₹1.7 crore nett, and the trend continued with Wednesday and Thursday's collections at ₹1.5 crore nett and ₹1.1 crore nett respectively.
Despite the initial surge, the film's performance stabilized as the week progressed. By the end of its first week, it secured a total of ₹19.21 crores domestically. The following weeks saw a significant decrease in earnings, with the next three weeks grossing ₹7.20 crores, ₹1.60 crores, and a mere ₹0.5 crores respectively. In conclusion, the film's total lifetime collection in India reached ₹28.51 crores, reflecting a moderate success compared to other major releases, yet indicative of the fluctuating nature of box office performances in the current cinematic landscape.