After a long delay due to objections from the Censor Board, the Bombay High Court intervened to facilitate the release of Ajey:
The Untold Story of a Yogi, a biographical film based on Shantanu Gupta’s acclaimed book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, chronicling the life and journey of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Speaking to PTI, Ajay Mengi, the U.S.-based producer of the film, confirmed that the movie premiered last Friday across more than 500 screens in India and simultaneously in several countries abroad.
Inspiration and Conceptualization
The film was conceptualized as a cinematic portrayal of the transformative journey of a young monk who rose to become a political leader, highlighting Yogi Adityanath’s struggles, penance, and dedication to public service.
The idea for the movie originated with Shantanu Gupta, whose book provided the narrative backbone, while producer Ajay Mengi envisioned translating it into a visual epic to reach a wider audience.
The film aims to humanize the Chief Minister, focusing not only on his political career but also on the principles, discipline, and spiritual values that shaped his personality. The screenplay incorporates real-life incidents, illustrating how personal hardships, education, and mentorship influenced Adityanath’s ideology and leadership style.
Release and Political Engagement
While the BJP did not officially comment on the release, Sarojini Nagar MLA Rajeshwar Singh hosted a special screening at a multiplex in Lucknow. Invites included local BJP office-bearers, women from Tara Shakti Sewing Centre, and youth associated with Ran Bahadur Singh Digital Education and Empower Centre.
Singh praised the film on X (formerly Twitter), writing: The inspiring journey of Yogi ji Maharaj’s struggles, penance, sacrifice, and valor moved all the residents of Sarojini Nagar to tears.”
BJP Lucknow North MLA Neeraj Bora, speaking to ANI, remarked that the film offers a glimpse into CM Yogi’s life and work for society and the nation, encouraging citizens to watch it.
Cast and Character Portrayal
The film stars Bhojpuri actor and former BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, among others, while Anant Vijay Joshi portrays Ajey, capturing the mannerisms and body language of Yogi Adityanath.
Paresh Rawal plays Mahant Avaidyanath, the head of the Gorakhnath Peeth, who mentors Ajey.
Key moments from the film include Ajey’s student activism in Kotdwar, his confrontation with college authorities over misogynistic graffiti, and his early political awakening during interactions with Avaidyanath. The narrative chronicles his journey from being the son of a forest ranger in Rishikesh, facing injustice from the police, to his decision to dedicate himself to public service in Gorakhpur.
Major Plot Highlights
- Ajey’s first student union campaign centers on women’s respect, though he loses due to ballot tampering.
- He meets Mahant Avaidyanath, who instills in him the importance of political action for societal welfare.
- Adityanath’s transformation into a monk-politician and eventual ascension to MP of Gorakhpur are depicted through interactions with followers, local leaders, and the public.
- Scenes emphasize his commitment to justice, law and order, and inclusive service, with dialogues like: Jab tak main CM rahunga, yunhi mafiaon ka safaya hota rahega (As long as I am CM, mafia will keep getting eliminated).”
- The film also highlights his neutral stance on caste and religion and dedication to improving education and healthcare infrastructure.
Audience Reactions
Early viewers in Noida and Delhi offered mixed but generally positive feedback:
- H.C. Dhondiyal, from Pauri Garhwal, noted that the film effectively portrays how good intentions, guidance, and circumstances helped Ajey rise to prominence.
- G.S. Bisht of Lajpat Nagar appreciated the depiction of law and order but felt the film underemphasized Adityanath’s personal struggles.
- Vikrant Singh, a UPSC aspirant from Gorakhpur, lauded the film’s accuracy in portraying Yogi ji’s work in education, health, and governance, though he questioned the casting choice.
- Abhinav Gurav, a journalism student at Delhi University, said the film clarified how Adityanath developed his ideological beliefs and approach to governance.
The Film’s Significance
Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi not only chronicles a remarkable personal journey but also serves as a documentary-style narrative on Indian politics, public service, and spiritual leadership. By blending cinematic storytelling with real-life events, it seeks to provide audiences with both inspiration and insight into the life of a man who combined spiritual discipline with political vision.
The film’s creation, guided by Gupta’s literary vision and Mengi’s production foresight, underscores a trend in Indian cinema to depict contemporary political biographies, reflecting the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas that shape national leaders.
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