After much delay, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi’s biopic Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi is set to release on September 19. Director Ravindra Gautam has opened up about the stressful battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), revealing how the film was repeatedly rejected despite following all legal protocols.
“When we gave them the film, we told them there was nothing (objectionable) here. They saw the film. We couldn’t understand why they weren’t giving a censor (certificate). They were just rejecting the film. It’s not that they weren’t giving a censor certificate; they were rejecting the film. They rejected it directly first,” he said.
Ravindra Gautam said, “We went to court, and then they gave us 29 cuts, and these were minor things.” He further explained that the team had also collected the rights from the author of the book (The Monk Who Became Chief Minister) and ensured that there was no objectionable content present. Still, the CBFC demanded unnecessary clearances, including an NOC from CM Yogi.
After weeks of uncertainty, the makers of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s biopic ‘Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi’ finally breathed a sigh of relief. After the CBFC dismissed its objections, the Bombay High Court directed the board to certify the film for theatrical release. This clears the way for Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi to reach audiences soon.
The CBFC initially suggested 29 cuts and refused certification to the film. After an appeal, its review committee rejected eight cuts but refused certification on 17 objections. The makers then approached the High Court, after which both the judges watched the film in person in separate sessions and gave their verdict. After watching the film, the bench termed the CBFC’s decision “irrational” and directed the board to issue a certificate.
The film is directed by Ravindra Gautam, who is known for popular TV shows like ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ and ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain,’ as well as the web series ‘Maharani – Season 2’ and the film ‘Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami.’
Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi is a biographical drama that focuses on the life of Ajay Singh Bisht, who later became the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, India, Yogi Adityanath. Inspired by Shantanu Gupta’s book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister,” the film depicts the transformation of a boy born in a Himalayan village in Uttarakhand into a spiritual leader and a powerful political figure. The story is a blend of spiritual journey and political awakening, highlighting his challenges, sacrifices, and rise to power.
“Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi” is written by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey (based on the book by Shantanu Gupta) and presented by Anil Thadani’s AA Films.
The theatrical release date is September 19, 2025. It was previously announced for release on August 1, 2025, but the date was changed.
The film’s runtime is 2 hours and 28 minutes. The film is planned to release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.
Cast: Anant Joshi as Ajay/Yogi Adityanath, Paresh Rawal as Mahant Avaidyanath (Yogi’s guru), and Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) in a pivotal role. Other cast includes Pavan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant Singh, Rajesh Khattar, Sarwar Ahuja and Ajay Mengi.
The trailer of “Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi” has been creating a stir on the internet ever since its release on YouTube. The makers released the trailer on YouTube with the caption, “Kesariya ke peeche chhupi hai ek jwala, Ab dekho woh kahani jisne itihaas badal daala.” The political biopic-style drama is based on Shantanu Gupta’s book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister.”
At the heart of it is Anant Joshi, who plays Ajay, who is modelled on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The trailer, which runs for just over two minutes, depicts the journey from an ordinary youth to a spiritual figure and finally a leader. There are glimpses of giving up family life, taking monasticism, and then entering public service. We see him raising his voice during protests, taking up social causes, and gaining followers along the way. The trailer ends with Ajay delivering a poignant line: “Mera Baithana Aapko Yaha Le Aaya, Sochia Jis Din Main Kahad Ho Gaya Aapka Kya Hoga?”
The song “Galliyaan Chhod Chale” from “Aaj: The Untold Story of a Yogi Thrills” has already been released, with the track being praised for its “terribly emotional visuals and heartwarming lyrics.”
“Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi” producer Ritu Mengi (under the banner of Samrat Cinematics) has produced the project.