Doordarshan rejects to stream AMU founder Sir Syed's biopic; maker alleges political manoeuvring

Mumbai: The first-ever biopic on Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has been rejected by national broadcaster Doordarshan for streaming. The video, named Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: The Messiah, was distributed globally via an OTT platform; however, it will not be aired on Prasar Bharati (PB) OTT, according to The Times of India.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon premiered the biographical drama in front of a big audience. According to the article, Prasar Bharati's programme executive wrote an official letter to the Mumbai-based production house, Dark Horse Productions saying, "I am directed to inform you that your proposal offering a program based on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan could not qualify for streaming under revenue sharing mode on Prasar Bharati’s upcoming platform."

Shoaib Choudhury, the film's producer and star actor, expressed disbelief at the rejection, pointing out that one of his earlier productions had the longest run on a DD channel, the Free Press Journal reported.

"It is surprising that my biopic on Sir Syed, a renowned reformist and educationist, was not approved for streaming on the national OTT platform," he said.

Choudhury also alleged that the decision was influenced by "political maneuvering."

In his X post dated February 20, read, "Sir Syed Ahmed Khan The Messiah is streaming on reputed Apple TV+ worldwide, but National Broadcaster shies away for OBVIOUS reasons. It is all in the Name."

Mudassir Hayat, President of the AMU Old Boys Association (Delhi NCR), emphasised the biopic's significance for future generations, noting that it might motivate young people to regard education as a method of advancement.

According to the article, audience members at the screening lauded the film as "outstanding and impactful," citing its relevance to contemporary Muslim challenges and a strong emphasis on education.

However, critics contend that rejecting the biopic raises concerns about the reasons for banning a film about a notable Muslim educationist from national broadcasting.