As the political row over the upcoming film The Accidental Prime Minister intensifies, its lead actor Anupam Kher stated that the protests against the film will result in increased publicity.
The film is being criticised by the opposition Congress as "incorrect representation of the facts". Anupam Kher, however, is seemingly unfazed by the barbs. The actor, in an interview with ANI, responded to Maharashtra Youth Congress' objection that the recently released trailer of the film, based on Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure as India's prime minister, has distorted the facts.
The organisation on Thursday also asserted that if it is released without prior screening for their office bearers, they will resort to "other options" to stop the release of the film.
"An actor's job is to act, the filmmaker's job is to make a film and take it to the people and it's the job of these organisations to protest. So, we should not give so much of importance to them," Kher said.
He added that both the film and the trailer have been approved by the Central Board of Certification (CBFC).
"If they think their political party is above the law, then the law will decide on it," said the actor.
The Accidental Prime Minister is based on facts as chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru- Manmohan Singh's media advisor between 2004 and 2008.
It revolves around Singh's life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
While speaking with ANI, the 63-year-old also pointed out a tweet by Congress president Rahul Gandhi in which he supported freedom of expression over the mention of Rajiv Gandhi in the web series Sacred Games.
"I recently came across Rahul Gandhi's post in which he stated that 'the freedom of expression must not be policed and controlled'. So, I think he himself should condemn and stop those who are protesting against the film. He should tell them that what they are doing is wrong," stressed Kher.
The film is due to be out on January 11, ahead of the high-stakes 2019 General Elections.
Speaking about the release date of the film, the A Wednesday star clarified, "When we make films on a subject like patriotism, we release it around January 26 or August 15. If the film is about politics, it will be released during elections. Why should anybody object to it?"
