Meaningful Timing: Director Highlights Release of 'Main Atal Hoon' Ahead of Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony

Director Ravi Jadhav considers it a "good coincidence" that the biopic "Main Atal Hoon," portraying the life of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is set to release shortly before the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Starring Pankaj Tripathi in the lead role, the film explores Vajpayee's contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Pokhran nuclear test, and India-Pakistan relations.

Originally slated for release on December 25, 2023, on Vajpayee's 98th birth anniversary, the film will now hit cinemas on January 19, just three days before the Ayodhya ceremony on January 22.

Jadhav clarified that the film's release timing is coincidental, saying, "It's absolutely a coincidence. It's a good coincidence, I would say that this film is coming now." He mentioned that the team has worked on the film for three years and aimed for the December release. Still, some post-production work led to the adjusted release date in January.

Producer Vinod Bhanushali expressed his joy in bringing Vajpayee's life story to the screen and emphasized that the film covers significant events like Article 370, nuclear tests, friendship with Pakistan, and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Pankaj Tripathi, who plays the title role, shared his approach to the character, stating that his focus was on channeling Vajpayee's personality and philosophy rather than imitating him. He acknowledged the challenges of portraying a character in a biopic and highlighted the vastness of Vajpayee's life.

Producer Sandeep Singh mentioned that they initially aimed for a December release but felt fortunate that the Ram temple would open to the public after the film's release. Singh praised Tripathi for trusting the project and joining without a bound script.

Directed by Ravi Jadhav from a script by Utkarsh Naithani, "Main Atal Hoon" covers pivotal chapters in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's life and aims to offer a glimpse into the leader's significant contributions.

(With Agency Inputs)