Cinema has always been more than just a form of entertainment; it is a reflection of the world we live in, capturing emotions, struggles, and aspirations. Well-known screenwriter Dilip Bachchan Jha, who previously co-wrote the acclaimed sports biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, now returns with another impactful project — Ajey: The Untold Story of a Monk.
This upcoming film is based on Shantanu Gupta’s bestselling book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, which chronicles the extraordinary journey of Yogi Adityanath. From his modest beginnings in Uttarakhand to rising as a significant political leader, the story explores not just his personal transformation but also broader themes of leadership, spirituality, and public service.
Cinema and Society: A Shared Tapestry
While speaking about the essence of the project, Jha highlighted the strong interplay between cinema and society. According to him, films are not created in isolation; they evolve from the cultural and social fabric of their time. He believes that in a country as young, diverse, and rapidly developing as India, there is a growing need for stories that inspire, especially when told in a manner relatable to the youth.
“Cinema is essentially a mirror of our times,” Jha explained in a statement. “Communities look up to leaders and role models who not only influence the present but also shape the future. In such a dynamic environment, cinema plays a vital role in narrating stories that align with the aspirations and emotions of people.”
This perspective reflects his continuing interest in biographical storytelling, where real-life journeys become powerful vehicles of inspiration.
Researching Yogi Adityanath’s Early Life
To ensure authenticity in Ajey: The Untold Story of a Monk, Jha undertook extensive research across Uttarakhand. He visited places central to Yogi Adityanath’s childhood and education, including his birthplace in Panchur, and other towns such as Rishikesh and Kotdwar where he studied during his college years.
Through these visits, Jha uncovered several poignant anecdotes from Yogi Adityanath’s life. Before embracing monkhood, he shared the same aspirations and bonds as any middle-class youth — close to his family and friends, with dreams shaped by ordinary circumstances. It was this sudden and conscious shift toward a life of service that struck Jha as both extraordinary and deeply emotional.
The writer admits that retracing these steps made him reflect on the profound emotional journey Yogi and his family must have undergone. It is this human dimension, he suggests, that will make the film resonate with audiences beyond political or spiritual narratives.
Why This Story Matters
With Ajey: The Untold Story of a Monk, Dilip Jha aims to blend history, spirituality, and human emotion into a cinematic narrative that speaks to modern India. Just as his work on MS Dhoni: The Untold Story highlighted the power of dreams and determination, his new project seeks to shed light on how personal transformation can lead to societal impact.
By weaving together cultural values and individual sacrifice, Jha reinforces the idea that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums to connect society with its leaders and visionaries.
