Film Makers Challenge CBFC's Rejection of Yogi Adityanath Biopic Certification in Bombay HC

A film based on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's life has been denied certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film's makers have approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the decision and arguing that the CBFC rejected their applications without watching the film. The court has issued a notice to the CBFC and sought its reply, asking why the decision was made despite the book that inspired the film being in the public domain for eight years.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has denied certification to a film purportedly based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The film's makers, Samrat Cinematics, have approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the CBFC's decision. The film, titled "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi," is scheduled for release on August 1 and is inspired by the book "The Monk Who Became Chief Minister," which has been in the public domain for eight years [1].

The Bombay High Court bench, consisting of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale, has agreed to hear the plea on Friday. The court questioned the CBFC's rationale for rejecting the film's certification, particularly given that the book, which inspired the film, has been publicly available for eight years without any objections [2].

The filmmakers, represented by advocates Aseem Naphade, Satatya Anand, and Nikhil Aradhe, argued that the CBFC rejected their applications for certification of the film, trailer, and its songs without even watching the film. Despite the CBFC's earlier assurance to the court that it would take a decision within two days, the board took the decision only now, according to the makers' fresh plea [3].

The film "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi" is based on the life of Yogi Adityanath, a prominent figure in Indian politics. The makers of the film are seeking a direction from the court to the CBFC to decide on their applications. The CBFC has been asked to explain why it rejected the applications when the book that inspired the film has been publicly available for eight years [4].

The CBFC's decision to deny certification to the film has sparked controversy, with the filmmakers questioning the board's process and the rationale behind the decision. The court's intervention in the matter is expected to provide clarity on the issue and potentially set a precedent for future cases involving films based on public domain works [5].

References:
[1] https://m.rediff.com/news/commentary/2025/jul/31/cbfc-denies-certification-to-film-based-on-yogi-adityanaths-life/8949b36f56e8be43d4f1ab759d189762
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/cbfc-blocks-film-on-yogi-adityanath-s-life-makers-move-bombay-hc-125073100971_1.html
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/malegaon-blast-verdict-owaisi-led-aimim-demands-maharashtra-govt-challenge-acquittal-in-hc/articleshow/123015828.cms
[4] https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3524621-legal-battle-looms-for-film-inspired-by-yogi-adityanath
[5] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/allahabad-hc-adjourns-hearing-in-ordinance-on-mathura-bankey-bihari-temple-case/articleshow/123000749.cms