Paresh Rawal’s much-awaited biopic on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is finally set for release. The film, which faced delays due to its sensitive political subject, was initially denied certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the Bombay High Court has now cleared the film with zero cuts.
When asked whether making political films in India has become increasingly difficult, Paresh admits, “It’s tough to make any film these days. Social media can overpower anyone—sometimes rightly, sometimes not. But if your intentions are clear and the film is made honestly, you shouldn’t worry about public reactions. You can’t please everyone. I create what I believe in. With a subject like Yogi Ji, the matter becomes critical and CBFC stays extra cautious.”
Discussing the CBFC’s objections, he shares an incident from the courtroom. “The Court asked their lawyer if he had seen the film or read the book it’s based on. He hadn’t. I don’t understand why such things happen,” says the 70-year-old actor.
Biopics often face accusations of whitewashing, as seen during Paresh’s previous film Sanju (2018). Addressing similar concerns here, he clarifies, “Yogi Ji is still active in his career. This film covers his journey up until he entered politics. It’s an untold story—what’s already public can’t be called untold. So there’s nothing to whitewash.”
On dealing with social media trolling, Paresh remains unfazed. “I’m not someone who gets scared. I know how to respond to trolls well. Nowadays, people post things instantly online. Even those whose own family wouldn’t listen to them now enjoy global attention, and they love it.”