Released on August 1, 2025, Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi is a biographical drama that traces the extraordinary journey of Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, from a humble Himalayan village to a polarizing political figure. Directed by Ravindra Gautam and produced by Ritu Mengi under Samrat Cinematics, the film is inspired by Shantanu Gupta’s book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. Starring Anant Joshi as Ajay Singh Bisht (Yogi Adityanath) and Paresh Rawal as his guru Mahant Avaidyanath, the film blends spirituality, politics, and drama. But does it deliver a balanced portrayal or lean into hagiography? Here’s our Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi movie review for www.bharatatone.com.

Plot: A Journey from Sanyas to State Leadership

Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi chronicles the life of Ajay Singh Bisht, a young man from a remote village in Uttarakhand, who embraces sanyas as a Nathpanthi Yogi and rises to become Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The narrative spans his early years, marked by spiritual awakening and discipline, to his entry into politics as a firebrand leader. It explores his struggles, bold decisions, and commitment to governance rooted in development and cultural revival. Shot across Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the film emphasizes authenticity, with key moments like his initiation into the Gorakhnath Math and his political ascent in the 1990s. Written by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey, the screenplay aims to balance drama, emotion, and sacrifice but faces challenges in maintaining neutrality.

Performances: Anant Joshi Shines, Paresh Rawal Grounds

Anant Joshi delivers a transformative performance as Yogi Adityanath, embodying the monk-turned-politician with quiet intensity and conviction. Known for Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and 12th Fail, Joshi went bald for the role, a physical commitment he described as “letting go of a part of myself” to capture the character’s essence. His portrayal of Ajay’s evolution—from an introverted boy to a resolute leader—is compelling, particularly in scenes of spiritual training and political confrontations. However, some moments feel overstated, likely due to the script’s tone.

Paresh Rawal, as Mahant Avaidyanath, is the emotional anchor, delivering a restrained yet powerful performance. His voiceover in the motion poster, “Vo kuch nahi chahta tha, sab usko chahte the,” sets the tone for the guru’s guiding presence. The ensemble, including Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, Pavan Malhotra, Rajesh Khattar, and Garima Vikrant Singh, adds depth, though their roles are limited. Sarwar Ahuja and Anil Jhamajham shine in smaller parts, but the focus remains on Joshi and Rawal.

Direction and Screenplay: Ambitious but Biased

Ravindra Gautam, known for Maharani 2, brings a visually rich narrative to Ajey, with Vishnu Rao’s cinematography capturing the serene hills of Uttarakhand and the bustling streets of Uttar Pradesh. The production design by Udai Prakash Singh recreates the Gorakhnath Math authentically, immersing viewers in Yogi’s world. However, the direction struggles with objectivity. The film glorifies Yogi Adityanath’s journey, often sidestepping controversies like his polarizing speeches or policies, which some critics argue makes it feel like a “strategic pre-election move.”

The screenplay, while engaging, leans heavily into hero-worship, with dramatic flourishes that border on propaganda. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) controversy, where certification was delayed due to demands for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UP CM’s office, adds to the perception of bias. The 140-minute runtime feels stretched, particularly in the second half, where repetitive political sequences dilute the emotional core.

Music and Technical Aspects: Evocative but Underwhelming

Meet Bros’ music complements the film’s spiritual and dramatic tone, with the title track “Ajey” evoking devotion and resilience. However, the songs, including “Seva Mein Ramm” and “Yogi Ki Yatra,” lack the memorability of mainstream Bollywood hits, limiting their appeal. Vishnu Rao’s cinematography is a highlight, with sweeping shots of the Himalayas and vibrant depictions of UP’s political rallies. The editing, however, could have been sharper to maintain momentum, especially in the film’s latter half.

What Works: Performances and Visual Authenticity

Ajey excels in its lead performances and visual storytelling. Anant Joshi’s dedication and Paresh Rawal’s gravitas make the film emotionally resonant, particularly in scenes depicting Yogi’s spiritual transformation. The film’s focus on his early struggles and commitment to service strikes a chord, especially for audiences inspired by tales of resilience. The authentic locations and cultural details, from Nathpanthi rituals to UP’s political landscape, create an immersive experience. For fans of biographical dramas, the film offers a glimpse into a polarizing figure’s life, making it a conversation starter.

What Falls Short: Lack of Nuance and CBFC Controversy

The film’s biggest flaw is its lack of balance. By focusing solely on Yogi Adityanath’s achievements, it glosses over his controversial political stances, which critics argue makes it feel one-sided. Overseas reviews have called it “propagandistic,” and the CBFC’s certification delay, coupled with demands for an NOC, fuels speculation about political motives. The slow pacing and overly dramatic dialogues in the second half may alienate viewers seeking a more nuanced biopic. Additionally, the film’s multilingual release (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam) feels ambitious but risks limited appeal outside Hindi-speaking regions.

Box Office and Streaming: A Polarized Reception

Released on August 1, 2025, Ajey faces a crowded box office alongside Son of Sardaar 2, Dhadak 2, and Saiyaara. Advance bookings on BookMyShow show moderate interest, with 15,000 tickets sold in major chains, trailing Son of Sardaar 2’s 28,000. The CBFC controversy likely impacted its pre-release buzz, but its appeal to Yogi Adityanath’s supporters could drive footfall in Uttar Pradesh. The film is expected to stream on an OTT platform like Amazon Prime Video or JioCinema in October 2025, post an eight-week theatrical run. Fans can explore similar biopics like PM Narendra Modi on streaming platforms in the meantime.

Final Verdict: A Compelling yet One-Sided Biopic

Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi is a visually striking and well-acted biographical drama that celebrates Yogi Adityanath’s journey but falls short of critical introspection. Anant Joshi’s transformative performance and Paresh Rawal’s understated brilliance make it worth a watch for fans of inspirational stories. However, its hagiographic tone and lack of nuance may polarize audiences, especially those seeking a balanced portrayal. A one-time watch for its performances and cultural depiction, but don’t expect a deep dive into the complexities of its subject.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

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