The Accidental Prime Minister, a 2019 Hindi-language film directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, offers a controversial exploration of Manmohan Singh’s tenure as India’s 13th Prime Minister. Based on the memoir by Sanjaya Baru, Singh’s media advisor, the film delves into the complex dynamics within the Congress Party, which allegedly undermined Singh's authority during his time in office. The movie stars Anupam Kher as Singh, a man known for his personal integrity but perceived as being overshadowed by the party’s dynastic politics.

The film’s portrayal of Singh is one of confusion and subjugation, particularly in scenes where he appears overwhelmed in his office, taking orders from Sonia Gandhi, then the Congress Party President. Critics argue that it reduces a nuanced leader to a mere puppet, highlighting his struggles with the Congress Party’s internal power play. The narrative suggests that Singh’s rise to the position of Prime Minister in 2004 was more a product of party calculations than his leadership qualities, especially given that Sonia Gandhi, despite her party’s electoral success, declined the position due to her Italian origin. This sets the tone for the film’s suggestion that Singh’s leadership was largely ceremonial, with real power resting with Mrs. Gandhi and her son, Rahul.

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While this view has been supported by some political analysts, others argue that the film misses a deeper exploration of Singh’s political career, especially his economic reforms and his significant role in India’s global rise. Singh, a technocrat, never sought the limelight and avoided public speeches, which made him appear passive in comparison to more flamboyant leaders. This restrained nature, however, was often misunderstood as weakness, with critics accusing him of being ineffective in the face of party interference.

The second term of Singh’s tenure was marred by corruption scandals, which the film touches on but fails to explore in depth. These scandals were pivotal in diminishing Singh’s image and played a role in the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 elections. However, the movie primarily focuses on his perceived powerlessness within the party, rather than addressing the broader political and economic context of his leadership.

The film’s release, just months before the 2019 general elections, has sparked accusations of being politically motivated, with some calling it an anti-Congress narrative designed to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the party. The timing of its release has led many to view The Accidental Prime Minister as a form of political propaganda rather than a serious biographical work.

Despite the polarised reaction, the film has a staunch defender in Akshaye Khanna, who portrays Sanjaya Baru. Khanna has pointed out that, like all political films, it is bound to provoke debate in a country as politically conscious as India. However, he urged viewers not to take the film too seriously, suggesting it was “just a film” and not a significant political statement.

In the end, The Accidental Prime Minister raises questions not only about Singh’s legacy but also about the fine line between political narratives and cinematic storytelling, leaving audiences to decide whether it offers a genuine reflection of India’s political history or simply an opportunistic portrayal. (With inputs from Agencies)