The Accidental Prime Minister Movie and Its Potential Political Impact

The Accidental Prime Minister is the latest political drama that has caught the attention of the Indian audience. It explores the life and times of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his tenure from 2004 to 2009. The movie, which has received accolades for its intense and beautiful direction, faces an uphill battle due to negative paid media reviews that have given it a poor rating. While the film may have left a significant impact on its audience, its potential political impact is questionable.

Background of the Movie

The book "The Accidental Prime Minister," written by Sanjay Baroo, who served as the Press Advisor to Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2008, is the basis for this movie. Baroo penned the book in 2014, just before the parliamentary elections, and it was allegedly written out of frustration after being dismissed from his position. The book was used as a tool by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to malign the image of Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party in the upcoming 2014 election.

Content of the Book and Accusations

Baroo's account of events in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is highly detailed and assertive. According to his narrative, the position of Press Advisor in the PMO is the most significant, and nothing happens without the Press Advisor's knowledge. This raises questions about the trust and transparency within the office. The book also includes events subsequent to Baroo's removal, which raises doubts about its credibility. However, as a nation, India is well-aware of such matters, and they may dismiss the book as mere propaganda.

Reception and Controversy

The movie was released at a time when the parliamentary elections are approaching, creating a buzz and controversy. Anupam Kher, a strong supporter of the BJP, leads the film and has made a press conference about the movie. Additionally, the film's makers are likely BJP loyalists, given that the party is actively promoting the film through social media platforms like Twitter. The BJP may be trying to generate some controversy around the film, which they believe could provide political dividends.

Political Impact and Electorate's View

While the movie may have a significant impact on its audience, its political implications might be limited. The 2019 election is more about recent events under Narendra Modi (NaMo) rather than the historical period under Manmohan Singh. Therefore, the film is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the election results. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding the film could make it a talking point for political campaigns, potentially influencing public opinion and media narratives.

The Accidental Prime Minister is a movie that combines political intrigue with historical facts. While it may not have a direct impact on the parliamentary elections, it certainly adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political discourse. The Karnataka assembly elections scheduled for May 12, 2023, may see the movie's impact in the local political landscape, given the heightened interest in historical and political films.