"12th Fail Was My Film School — It Prepared Me for Ajey": Anant Joshi on His Biggest Role Yet

In the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where hard hitting narratives and powerful performances of actors often capture audiences' imagination, a leading man with a solid project is set to take center stage. Anant Joshi, an actor whose recent impactful roles have garnered significant attention, is now set to lead this venture. He will portray the titular role in 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi', a biographical drama focusing on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Joshi's acclaimed performance as Pritam Pandey in the hit film '12th Fail' appears to have been an instrumental preparation for his demanding role in 'Ajey.' The depth and nuance required to portray a character navigating academic and personal struggles in '12th Fail' likely honed his ability to delve into complex biographical roles. His portrayal in '12th Fail' showcased a remarkable range as an actor, allowing him to confidently take on a role as prominent as that of Yogi Adityanath. 

Talking about his experience from 12th Fail to now starring as the lead in Ajey, Anant said "Working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra is nothing less than training in a film school. He is a walking film institution. Being able to spend my every day on film set with him, it was like every moment was a lesson. I think that learning prepared and improved me so much as a professional and as an artist that I was able to take  the challenge to portray Ajey. And I think it all made sense to have done 12th Fail before being able to take on a lead role. A film like 12th Fail taught me to take this responsibility as an actor. And I am glad that Ajey came after 12th Fail." 

 

Anant Joshi has steadily built a commendable filmography, showcasing his versatility across various platforms. Prior to this leading role, he was seen in the critically appreciated film 'Kathal' and the widely successful '12th Fail.' On the digital front, he has made his mark in the popular web series 'Maamla Legal Hai.' Furthermore, Joshi was also featured in the documentary 'Zero Se Restart,' which chronicled the making of '12th Fail,' offering audiences a glimpse into his work. 

Anant, who portrays Pritam Pandey in the film "12th Fail," is seen in "Zero Se Restart" talking about his experience. He expressed how satisfying it was to work under Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He stated that Chopra brought out the best in him and was instrumental in shaping Pandey's role. Vidhu and the entire cast, including Anant, undertook rigorous workshops and countless revisions to ensure every character authentically portrayed their real-life inspirations.

Ajey aims to trace the journey of Ajay Mohan Singh Bisht also known as Yogi Adityanath, from his early life in Uttarakhand to his transformation into a revered Yogi and ultimately, a prominent political figure. The film's teaser is already out and has created a significant buzz. Its trailer will also be released soon. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 1, 2025.