'Newton', which is India's official entry to Oscars, may actually be an embarrassment for India. Wondering why? A national news channel has reported that the film's many elements might have been lifted from 'Secret Ballot', an Iranian film, with the difference that the sex of the lead character is different.

The role of Newton Kumar, the protagonist (who is assigned with the task of conducting elections in a strife-stricken Chattisgarh village), is "similar to what the protagonist of the Iranian film does". She too has to conduct elections in a remote village against all hardships.

Amit Masurkar, the film's writer-director, has been quoted as saying by the news channel that he didn't know about the movie when he wrote it. He did watch it on YouTube when someone told him about 'Secret Ballot' having a similar story, but he nevertheless filmed the script.

'Newton', released on Sept 22, has been received to a rousing critical reception. It is well poised to beat 'Haseena Parkar' and 'Bhoomi' at the BO.