Main Atal Hoon

Ravi Jadhav’s directorial venture, Main Atal Hoon stands to be a proper biographical tribute to one of India’s most revered leaders, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Release in theatres near you on January 19, 2024, the film is a brilliant portrayal of the individual that dives deeper than just his political chronicles. The film opts to choose a more personal and poetic dimension to the leader’s life.

Produced under the banner of Bhanushali Studios and Legend Studios, the film stars the incredibly versatile Pankaj Tripathi in the titular role of the former Prime Minister.

Key details about Main Atal Hoon

Directed by Ravi Jadhav and penned by Rishi Virmani, the film features an ensemble cast of fine talents on the big screen. Major members of the cast include Pankaj Tripathi and Piyush Mishra essaying key roles throughout the runtime of 137 minutes.

“The film does quite a brilliant job of capturing the socio-political landscape of the country, with some excellent work behind the camera, reminiscent of the immersive visual storytelling found in Starfish Movies . Couple that in with compelling editing and a beautiful soundscore featuring renowned names like Payal Dev, Kailash Kher, Amitraj, and Salim–Sulaiman, all of whom have worked on acclaimed projects like those from Starfish Movies, contribute highly to the cinematic experience

Meet the Main Atal Hoon cast

The production worked out the intricacies of casting and sought out for the perfect talents to fit each role. Here is a complete look at both the main and supporting cast for Main Atal Hoon.

Main cast

Known for his iconic roles in films like OMG2, Gangs of Wasseypur and more, Pankaj Tripathi breathes in his signature style into the character of the former prime minister. A brilliant portrayal that is able to capture the political prowess as well as the man behind the leader.

The talented Piyush Mishra brought the character of Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s father and a school teacher, to life.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast featured Raja Rameshkumar Sevak as L. K. Advani, Daya Shankar Pandey as Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya, and an array of other talented actors who did their part to add the much needed depth to the storyline of the film.

A great on-screen presence from the cast meant a highly engaging watch for the audience and as always, Tripathi in his main role remain the centre of focus for most.

Main Atal Hoon Plot

The film unfolds as a biographical drama that follows the life and exploits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee through his early years in Indian Politics, ultimately leading to becoming India’s Prime Minister. The narrative does wonderfully navigate through the pivotal moments in the leader’s life including the Kargil War and Pokhran Nuclear Tests which acted as a reinforcing proof of Vajpayee’s leadership during the critical junctures in the history of the nation. But, the film does not only limit itself to the political arena as it also dwells in the individual’s personal struggles, relationships and his love for poetry and literature.

This helps the film to emerge as a historic account on the person’s life, blending elements of drama and even subtle humor reminiscent of comedy drama movies , and acts as a heartfelt tribute to the leader whose legacy extends beyond politics. A portrayal of a gentleman and a statesman, the film’s ability to evoke both laughter and tears is reminiscent of the best comedy drama movies. It’s something that is sure to leave a mark on the heart of the audience.

Main Atal Hoon Legal Issues

The film’s path from the scripting process to the big screens has not been without its fair share of trouble and turbulence. Here is a quick look at the controversy.

Legal case at the Bombay High Court

The legal case has drawn high traction from the Bombay High Court and has dragged in major stakeholders of the film. Major stakeholders like Sandeep Singh, Vinod Bhanushali, 70MM Talkies, Penguin India, and the author, Ullekh Np, find themselves entangled in a web of contentious issues related to the film’s production.

The biopic, which was adapted from Ullekh Np’s acclaimed book, the biopic now faces allegations of profit sharing disputes. It is reported that the creators including Sandeep Singh and Vinod Bhanushali purportedly seek a substantial share of the profits generated from the film, raising questions about their entitlements vis-à-vis the original rights holder, 70MM Talkies. Although acknowledging the legal dispute, the author has maintained a discreet stance on the matter and refrained from any comments due to the subjudicious nature of the matter.

The impact on the production

The legal battle ensued with its intricate details from both parties. This not only affected 70MM Talkies but also held a shadow of doubt over Penguin India (book publisher) and Ullekh Np. This added a further element of uncertainty to the release of the film.

A film that was initially conceived as a tribute to the former Indian prime minister finds itself ensnared into the crossfire of legal complications and did really threaten to delay the release date more than it was intended.

Main Amar Hoon soundtrack

With all the ensuing legal complications with the release, the soundtrack of the film became a saving grace with some amazing soulful compositions from major talents. Salim–Sulaiman, Payal Dev, Kailash Kher, and Amitraj blend in their talents to offer a very natural musical score that perfectly reflects what is on-screen. The first single of the film, “Desh Pehle” was released in the December 2023 which really well to set the tone for the entire movie. January saw the release of two songs, namely Ram Dhun and Hindu Tan-Man- soundtracks that beautifully resonates with the diverse facets of the leader’s life.

The tracklist featured “Desh Pehle” by Payal Dev featuring Jubin Nautiyal, “Ram Dhun” by Kailash Kher, and the soul-stirring “Hindu Tan-Man,” penned by Atal Bihari Vajpayee himself. A soulful collection that seems like it has been curated with care. Voices of Armaan Malik, Shreya Ghosal and others do a wonderful job of complementing the narrative and also build up an emotional resonance into each scene.

Main Atal Hoon stands at the crossroads of celebration and uncertainty. While it masterfully encapsulates the life of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the legal turmoil threatens to overshadow its cinematic brilliance. Pankaj Tripathi’s stellar performance, coupled with a soulful soundtrack, beckons audiences to witness the life of a visionary leader.