Watch: Anupam Kher's transformation into Manmohan Singh for The Accidental Prime Minister

The Accidental Prime Minister has been in a whirlwind of controversies ever since its trailer launch. Based on the book of the same name by Sanjaya Baru, the film chronicles the political career of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, specifically during the reign of 2004-2014. Actor Anupam Kher plays the lead, perfectly recreating Singh’s mannerisms and body language for the film. A 20-second time lapse video shared by Kher on social media gives a sneak peak into his transformation into Singh. The video shows the entire process of Kher getting his look from makeup, beard, turban and outfit.

Days ahead of its release, the film has faced a lot of criticism for the projection of its central character and for being timed to hit the screens before the 2019 general elections. In an interview to  _Firstpost,_ actor Akshaye Khanna, who plays Sanjaya Baru (former media advisor to Singh), said, “What people are calling a controversy, I call it a debate. I have the right to make this film, you have the right to comment on it. You have all the freedom. Everybody has an equal right. I am too closely associated with this film so I don’t want to be part of any debate. Actually, I am already part of the debate since I have chosen to be part of this film. I am only the storyteller. The debate must go on and we should let society decide.” The Accidental Prime Minister is slated to release this Friday on 11 January.