Dehradun, October 11 (HS) : Writer Shantanu Gupta says the biopic film on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, titled “Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi,” is very close to his heart. The film is based on his book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister.” Gupta described the experience of seeing his 130-page book adapted into a 2.5-hour film as extremely gratifying. During his visit to Uttarakhand, he spoke to Hindusthan Samachar about his journey and the film’s making.

Q: You studied in Rishikesh and Pantnagar. What was your experience while writing the book on Yogi Adityanath?

A: I studied first in Rishikesh and later in Pantnagar. In 2017, to write Yogi Ji’s biopic, I visited Panchur village, Kotdwar, Rishikesh, and several other places in Uttarakhand with my team. At that time, Yogi Ji’s father Anand Singh Ji was alive and provided crucial information. Without his inputs, the biopic might not have been possible, and making the film would have been difficult.

Q: The film is based on your book. What role did you play in its production?

A: The filmmakers were unaware of where Panchur village or Kotdwar town are located in Uttarakhand, or the Rishikesh police station where Yogi Ji had stood up for justice. I stayed actively involved with the film unit and visited all the areas in Uttarakhand that I had explored while writing the book in 2017.

Q: What kind of response has the film received?

A: I have lived with this biopic for eight years, so seeing such a large and impactful film based on my short book is thrilling. Though the movie was banned in Qatar and posters defaced in Chennai, millions of people have watched it in India and abroad. It is gratifying that people are connecting with the life story of a nationalist saint like Yogi Ji.

Q: How important is Uttarakhand in the context of this film?

A: Yogi Adityanath is from Uttarakhand. People joke that Uttarakhand has “loaned” him to Uttar Pradesh. His nationalist character is shaped by Uttarakhand, and the film reflects that—from its story to several characters. Anant Joshi, who plays Yogi Ji, is also from Uttarakhand. Around 35% of the film was shot there.

Q: The film ends with Yogi Adityanath becoming Chief Minister. Will there be a sequel?

A: As Chief Minister, Yogi Ji has done historic work. The film “Ajay” only shows his early life. There is ample scope to make a second part.

“Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi,” based on Shantanu Gupta’s book, was released in theaters on September 19. Anant Joshi plays the role of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Hindusthan Samachar/Vipin Baniyal / Vinod Pokhriyal / Rajesh Kumar / Virendra Singh

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar