In an exciting development for film enthusiasts and political followers alike, Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, a biopic chronicling the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was officially announced on Wednesday, March 26. Inspired by Shantanu Gupta’s acclaimed book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, this film promises to delve deep into the formative experiences that shaped one of India’s most prominent political figures.

Produced by Samrat Cinematics, the film’s first look was unveiled alongside a captivating motion poster that offers a sneak peek into Adityanath’s transformative journey. It will portray his evolution from humble beginnings to his pivotal decision to embrace sanyas as a Nathpanthi Yogi and, ultimately, his foray into the tumultuous realm of politics aimed at rejuvenating Uttar Pradesh.

The newly released motion poster features Anant Joshi in the titular role, embodying the essence of Yogi Adityanath’s life of service. Complementing this powerful visual is a compelling voiceover by noted actor Paresh Rawal, which resonates with a poignant message: “Vo kuch nahi chahta tha, sab usko chahte the. Janta ne usko sarkar bana diya,” translating to, “He didn’t wish for anything. Everyone loved him. The people made him a leader.”

Directed by Ravindra Gautam, celebrated for his work in Maharani 2, Ajey is set to weave a rich narrative filled with drama, action, and emotional depth. Alongside Anant Joshi, the cast includes a stellar lineup of talent, featuring Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua), Ajay Mengi, Pavan Malhotra, Garima Singh, and Rajesh Khattar, each set to deliver a performance that enhances this dramatic tale.

The film’s music will be brought to life by the well-known duo Meet Bros, while the script has been crafted by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey. Visionary cinematography will be provided by Vishnu Rao, with production design handled by Udai Prakash Singh.

Scheduled for a grand release worldwide later in 2025, Ajey will be available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—ensuring that this powerful story reaches a diverse audience.

In her comments, producer Ritu Mengi expressed her passion for the project, stating, “Yogi Adityanath’s life is a tapestry of challenges and triumphs that we aim to present with authenticity and drama. This film promises to engage viewers while highlighting the events that carved his path.”

“The story of Yogi Adityanath is one of sheer determination and selfless service. We are dedicated to creating an immersive experience that does justice to the inspiring life of a boy from a humble background who rose to lead millions,” Director Ravindra Gautam said.

As anticipation builds for this cinematic tribute to a remarkable leader, Ajey promises not just to entertain, but also to motivate and inspire new generations as they watch the unfoldment of a life dedicated to transformation and public service.

A fresh wave of entertainment is arriving on OTT platforms in the last week of March 2025, bringing a wide mix of action thrillers, comedies, dramas, and animated films. Leading streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, JioCinema, Tenkotta, and Lionsgate Play are set to drop new content across languages and genres. Here’s a roundup of the top seven new releases you shouldn’t miss:

Mufasa: The Lion King (March 26 | JioCinema)

The highly anticipated prequel to The Lion King (2019), Mufasa: The Lion King, is making its OTT debut. The animated film, which enjoyed a successful theatrical run, will be available to stream on JioCinema from March 26. A must-watch for fans of the iconic franchise, the movie dives deep into Mufasa’s origin story.

Mister Housekeeping (March 25 | Tenkotta)

Tamil romantic drama Mister Housekeeping brings a refreshing perspective on love and relationships. Set to stream on Tenkotta, the film is ideal for audiences seeking emotional depth combined with engaging storytelling.

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins (March 27 | Netflix)

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, featuring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, is a crime drama set to release on Netflix. The film promises intense storytelling, compelling performances, and a thrilling cinematic experience.

Om Kali Jai Kali (March 28 | JioCinema)

Blending mystery, drama, and suspense, the Tamil web series Om Kali Jai Kali is scheduled to arrive on JioCinema. With its spiritual overtones and intense plot, the show targets fans of unconventional narratives.

Dhelulu Express (March 27 | Amazon Prime Video)

Comedian Zakir Khan returns with Dhelulu Express, a brand-new lighthearted comedy series streaming on Prime Video. Known for his relatable humor, Zakir’s latest offering is expected to connect with viewers through its wit and charm.

Deva (March 31 | Netflix)

Shahid Kapoor’s action thriller Deva, which made waves in theatres earlier this year, is ready for its digital premiere. Launching on Netflix, the film is packed with adrenaline-fueled sequences and is perfect for action genre enthusiasts.

Viduthalai Part 2 (March 28 | Zee5)

After its successful release in Tamil, Viduthalai Part 2, starring Vijay Sethupathi, is now set to stream in Hindi on Zee5. The gritty political drama brings intense storytelling and powerful performances to a wider audience.

Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, an emotional journey, or edge-of-the-seat suspense, this week’s OTT releases offer something for everyone. From regional gems to Hollywood blockbusters, make sure your watchlist is updated.

The Critics’ Choice Awards 2025, organized by the Film Critics Guild in collaboration with GroupM Motion Entertainment, recently celebrated the best of Indian cinema, honoring exceptional work in feature films, short films, documentaries, and web series. Notable triumphs of the evening included the films All We Imagine As Light and Amar Singh Chamkila, the latter showcasing the remarkable talents of Diljit Dosanjh.

The awards, selected by an esteemed panel of film critics, highlighted outstanding contributions across diverse languages and platforms.

All We Imagine As Light triumphed as the Best Feature Film, while Diljit Dosanjh secured the Best Actor title for his extraordinary portrayal in Amar Singh Chamkila, a film that beautifully captures the life of Punjab’s iconic musician, earning praise for its emotional resonance and authenticity.

Darshana Rajendran was awarded Best Actress for her compelling performance in Paradise, and Ravi Kishan earned the Best Supporting Actor accolade for his role in Laapataa Ladies. Kani Kusruti was recognized as Best Supporting Actress for her impressive work in Girls Will Be Girls.

In the realm of digital entertainment, Poacher emerged victorious, claiming the title of Best Web Series amidst fierce competition.

Here’s a look at the complete list of winners:

Short Film Category:

• Best Short Film: Obur
• Best Director: Faraz Ali for Obur
• Best Actor: Harish Khanna for Jal Tu Jalaal Tu
• Best Actress: Jyoti Dogra for Taak (Tracker)
• Best Writing: Faraz Ali for Obur
• Best Cinematography: Anand Bansal for Obur

Documentary Category:

• Best Documentary: Nocturnes

Web Series Category:

• Best Web Series: Poacher
• Best Director: Richie Mehta for Poacher
• Best Actor: Barun Sobti for Raat Jawaan Hai
• Best Actress: Nimisha Sajayan for Poacher
• Best Supporting Actor: Dibyendu Bhattacharya for Poacher
• Best Supporting Actress: Kani Kusruti for Poacher
• Best Writing: Richie Mehta, Gopan Chidambaran, Suprotim Sengupta, Amrita Bagchi for Poacher

Feature Film Category:

• Best Film: All We Imagine As Light
• Best Director: Payal Kapadia for All We Imagine As Light
• Best Actor: Diljit Dosanjh for Amar Singh Chamkila
• Best Actress: Darshana Rajendran for Paradise
• Best Supporting Actor: Ravi Kishan for Laapataa Ladies
• Best Supporting Actress: Kani Kusruti for Girls Will Be Girls
• Best Writing: Anand Ekarshi for Aattam
• Best Cinematography: Ranabir Das for All We Imagine As Light
• Best Editing: Shivkumar V. Panicker for Kill

In related news, Santosh, the UK’s official entry for the Oscars, has been barred from release in India by the CBFC.