PM Modi biopic in Telugu gets censor shock

Many biopics on PM Modi in various langauges are on the anvil. Tollywood is also coming up with couple of biopics on PM Modi titled Chai Wala starring Shiva Kandukuri, Teju Ashwini under the direction of Pramod Harsa and Maa Vande starring Unni Mukndan under the direction of Kranti Kumar.

A source shares “The shooting is expected to begin in 2027, and early preparations have started,” Maa Vande actor Shiva Kandukuri says , “We began our journey with the title Chai Wala and worked very hard to bring it to the audience. While respecting censor rules and guidelines, we decided to change the title to Nawab Café, which truly reflects the story and the soul of our film.”

The producer “I went to Mumbai and spoke to the censor team. They clearly said the title Chai Wala cannot be used. I hope the audience supports our new title.”

Maa Vande actor Unni Mukundan says “It is under their radar, hence they have to obtain all necessary permissions; without them, it would be very difficult to proceed with censors.”

Former Censor Board Member Shailaja Reddy says “If real names are used or actual events are depicted, approvals from the person concerned or their family members become crucial; otherwise, the censor board may raise objections. Fictionalised elements usually do not require such permissions. When making a biopic on a living personality, it is always safer to secure all clearances early rather than getting stuck during the censoring process, where even certification could become a problem.”