A significant controversy has erupted surrounding the film 'Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi,' with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refusing to grant the film a certificate. The filmmakers have approached the Bombay High Court in response to this decision.
Entertainment: The highly anticipated film 'Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi,' based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, faces a release crisis. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to issue a certificate for the film, prompting the producers to appeal to the Bombay High Court.
Serious Allegations Against CBFC: Application Rejected Without Viewing
Advocates Aseem Nafade, Satya Anand, and Nikhil Aradhe, representing the film's production house, Samrat Cinematics, argued in court that the CBFC neither watched the film nor reviewed the trailer or songs, and directly rejected the application. This action not only infringes upon the filmmakers' creative rights but also raises questions about the transparency of the censorship process.
High Court Raises Strict Questions
The Bombay High Court bench, comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Nila Gokhale, has issued a notice to the CBFC, demanding a response. The court also questioned the justification for banning the film if it is based on the book 'The Monk Who Became Chief Minister,' which has been in the public domain for the past 8 years. The court directly asked: If no objection was raised against the book, how can a film inspired by it disrupt public order?
Release Scheduled for August 1st, But Now Uncertain
The film was scheduled to release in theaters on August 1, 2025, but its release has been postponed due to the CBFC's refusal to grant a certificate. The producers are now hoping for a speedy hearing and justice from the court. The petition is scheduled to be heard on August 1st, which will determine whether the film will have the opportunity to reach audiences or not.
'Ajay' is inspired by author Shantanu Gupta's popular book 'The Monk Who Became Chief Minister,' which is based on the life and political journey of Yogi Adityanath. Actor Anant Joshi plays the role of Yogi Adityanath in the film.
The promotional poster for the film reads:
'He left the world, donned saffron robes, and immersed himself in service. A Yogi - who alone became a complete movement!'
These lines reflect the film's sentiment and the depth of the character. Anant Joshi shaved his head for the role in the film, which he described as not just an external change, but a process of becoming a Yogi from within. He said in an interview, "I didn't just have to play this character, I had to live it. I had to internalize Yogi ji's mindset and emotions."
