From monk to screen

Ajey: The Untold Story Of a Yogi, a biopic on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was released nationwide on Friday, screening on over 500 screens across India and 150 globally.

The film’s release was initially delayed due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, a Bombay High Court ruling on 25 August cleared the way for its nationwide debut.

Producer Ajay Mengi, a US-based businessman originally from Jamshedpur, expressed delight at the film’s reception. “The film has opened to a great response,” he said.

Directed by Ravindra Gautam, known for Maharani Season Two, the movie is based on Shantanu Gupta’s book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. In Uttar Pradesh alone, it is screening on about 150 screens. Theatres in Lucknow and Varanasi reported enthusiastic audiences chanting “Yogi Yogi” and “Jai Shri Ram” during screenings. At a multiplex in Gomtinagar Nagar Extension, viewers were heard shouting slogans such as “Yogi baba zindabad.”

Gautam, confident about the film’s commercial prospects, said it has “all the ingredients to connect with the audience.” Research revealed Adityanath’s lesser-known background as a bright science student pursuing an M.Sc. before becoming a monk at 22.

The filmmakers conducted extensive research, including watching videos of Adityanath, visiting his ancestral home in Uttarakhand, and interviewing his relatives. The crew also spent time in Gorakhpur, where Adityanath serves as the head priest of the Gorakhnath Mutt.

Gautam described meeting the family as “a revelation,” marveling at their simple lifestyle despite the chief minister’s popularity. Lead actor Anant Joshi also prepared thoroughly, studying Adityanath’s mannerisms and reactions, including how he expresses anger. — PTI