Release of PM Narendra Modi pushed back to April 12

The postponement of the film came even as the Supreme Court on Thursday decided to hear a plea seeking deferment of public screening of 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi' biopic on April 8.

The Vivek Anand Oberoi-starrer was earlier to hit the theatres on April 5.

The film ran into controversies after the Congress and other opposition parties approached the Election commission alleging that the release of the film during the election period amounted to a violation of the model code of conduct, that kicked in on March 12, a month before India goes to polls.

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in India kickstarts on April 11.

The Opposition raised objections to the release of PM Narendra Modi on April 5, a week before the elections.

Congress spokesperson Aman Panwar filed a petition and mentioned the matter before the bench of the top court.

Panwar had knocked the doors of the top court seeking immediate intervention and a direction to ensure that the film is not released during general election.

Senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioner, Panwar, submitted to the court bench that the release of the biopic Hindi film will disturb level playing field and ruling party will be benefitted in the polls.

Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie traces Narendra Modi's evolution through various phases of his life, including his enrolment in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), his long stint as chief minister of Gujarat, and his elevation to a national role in 2014.