Decision on clearance for Yogi Adityanath's film will be made by the CBFC within the next 2 business days, court informed
In the world of Indian cinema, the upcoming biopic 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi', based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has found itself in a unique predicament. The film, produced by Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd., has faced an alleged undue delay in obtaining a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The saga began when the producers initially applied for certification on June 5, 2025. However, they claimed that the CBFC has been slow in processing their application, prompting them to approach the Bombay High Court for intervention.
The Bombay High Court, in response to the plea, requested the CBFC to provide a timeline for the certification process. In response, the CBFC assured the court that it would decide on the certification within two working days.
Despite the delays, the movie is still scheduled for release on August 1, 2025. However, a screening scheduled for July 7 was abruptly cancelled the day before without any further communication.
The petition, filed by Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd., argues that the CBFC's actions violate the petitioners' fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution of India. The petitioners also allege that the CBFC's actions have no basis in the Cinematograph Act of 1952 or the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules of 2024.
Senior Advocate Abhay Khandeparkar and several other advocates appeared for the CBFC and the Union of India, while Senior Advocate Ravi Kadam and several other advocates represented Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd. in the court proceedings.
The book 'The Monk Who Became Chief Minister' by Shantanu Gupta, published in 2017, serves as the source material for the movie. Interestingly, the book has been officially endorsed by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office.
As the CBFC is set to decide on the certification shortly, the court has disposed of the plea following the CBFC's assurance to expedite the process. The current status of the movie remains under observation as the filmmakers and the CBFC navigate this complex situation.
The controversy surrounding the biopic 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi' has become a hot topic on social media, with many following updates about the film's censorship issues. In the midst of movies-and-tv discussions, this entertainment saga has also sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the roles of celebrities like Yogi Adityanath and pop-culture figures in shaping Indian politics.
