Mumbai: National broadcasting channel Doordarshan declined to stream the first-ever biopic on Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. The film, titled Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: The Messiah, has been released globally by an OTT platform; however, it won't be streamed on Prasar Bharati (PB) OTT, according to a report by The Times of India.
The biographical drama was initially premiered by AMU Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon before a large audience.
As per the report, Prasar Bharati's programme executive, in an official letter to the Mumbai-based production house, Dark Horse Productions said, "I am directed to inform you that your proposal offering 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 producer and the lead actor of the film, expressed shock over the rejection, noting that one of his previous productions had the longest run on a DD channel.
"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), also emphasized the biopic's importance for younger generations, stating that it could inspire youth to see education as a means of progress.
As per the report, audience members at the premiere praised the film as "outstanding and impactful," highlighting its relevance to contemporary Muslim issues and its strong focus on education.
However, critics argue that rejecting the biopic raises questions about the motives behind excluding a film on a prominent Muslim educationist from national broadcasting.
