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Filmmaker Ravindra Gautam, known for his work on Maharani Season 2 and Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami, is gearing up to captivate audiences with his latest project, Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi. This film features Anant Joshi in the role of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, alongside notable actors Paresh Rawal and Dinesh Lal Yadav.

Set to hit theaters on September 19, the film draws inspiration from The Monk Who Became Chief Minister by Shantanu Gupta. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Gautam shared insights into his motivations for creating a biopic about CM Yogi Adityanath and revealed a unique commitment from the cast during filming.

Discussing his inspiration, Gautam stated, “To me, he looked like a very apt character. I read the book and found his journey—from a 22-year-old boy becoming a sanyasi to the youngest Member of Parliament at 26—truly inspiring. This idea was actually god-sent. My producers, who are from the US and recognize Yogi Adityanath’s significant following there, acquired the rights to the book and approached me to make this film.”

Gautam acknowledged the challenges of portraying a real-life figure, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. “You can’t misrepresent someone of his stature. We spent considerable time brainstorming the script, visiting his home village in Uttarakhand, and speaking with his family and friends. Although the film focuses on his personal journey rather than politics, we studied political videos to better understand him, as I didn’t have the opportunity to meet him directly.”

During his research, Gautam discovered a more nuanced side to Yogi Adityanath. “While many see him as strong-headed, I found a deeply emotional and sensitive man. His compassion for the common people has played a significant role in his success against the mafia.” He also praised the CM’s simplicity, noting, “His sister leads a modest life, running a small flower shop outside a temple. Unlike many politicians whose wealth increases dramatically, Yogi ji’s family remains grounded and hardworking. He still lives in a small room with just a few belongings, which speaks volumes about his character.”

Regarding the film’s authenticity, Gautam insisted that it remains true to real events, with only minor dramatizations for cinematic effect. “We aimed to keep it as real as possible. Films like this often face accusations of propaganda without being viewed. That’s unfair. This is a family drama, deeply emotional and spiritual, highlighting the sacrifices made by his mother.”

Gautam also addressed the CBFC‘s request for 29 cuts, which were later overturned by the high court. He expressed his confusion over the initial objections, stating, “I still don’t understand why the CBFC had issues with the film. The high court’s decision to clear it without cuts speaks volumes. Their review indicates a deeper understanding of what is appropriate for the country.”

On casting Anant Joshi, Gautam shared, “We auditioned many actors, but I wanted someone who was genuine and sensitive. Anant embodied that during our discussions and auditions.” The trailer features Anant shaving his head to portray a monk, a scene that was filmed live. “He did it for real, and that was non-negotiable. Any honest actor would embrace such a commitment to their craft.”

Reflecting on his collaboration with Paresh Rawal, Gautam remarked, “Working with him was a learning experience. Despite being a senior actor, he is incredibly humble and dedicated. He would wear his beard and wig even during lunch to save time, and he never complained about the winter conditions. His punctuality and professionalism are traits that are rare these days.”

Gautam also highlighted the spiritual atmosphere on set, recalling, “We filmed in live locations in Rishikesh and an actual Dharamshala. If the call time was 7 AM, arriving at 6 AM meant joining in on aarti, bhajans, and prayers by the Ganga. This created a calm environment that positively influenced the film. Interestingly, no one on set ate non-vegetarian food during the shoot, even outside.”

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