In an era where biopics are often the toast of the box office, ‘Main Atal Hoon’ astounds audiences with a powerhouse performance by Pankaj Tripathi, who dons the mantle of India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Released on January 19, the film, directed by Ravi Jadhav, has made a commendable impression with a Rs 1 crore net box office collection in India on its debut, according to sacnilk.com. With a modest 9.39% Hindi Occupancy rate on its opening day, the film has set sail in the vast sea of Indian cinema, hoping to gather momentum as the word of Tripathi’s convincing portrayal spreads.
Pankaj Tripathi, a seasoned actor known for his versatile roles, talked about the challenge of embodying a political figure as esteemed as Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In a statement, Tripathi revered Vajpayee’s persona, stating, “The personality of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is such that it cannot be compared to present-day politicians. He was a poet and a unique leader whose staunchest enemies were among his admirers.” Tripathi went on to elaborate on his preparation for the role, revealing that his prior experience attending two of Vajpayee’s political rallies served as a foundation for his performance.
Tripathi’s respect for the late Prime Minister is palpable, as he explains the democratic nature inherent to Vajpayee, and how it inspired him both as an actor and an individual. “He motivates you to believe that everyone can do anything in life,” said Tripathi, offering insight into the lesson he drew from Vajpayee’s life.
As the focal point of ‘Main Atal Hoon,’ Tripathi aims to do justice to the multitude of nuances that characterized Vajpayee’s life. This role adds another feather to Tripathi’s already illustrious cap, which includes acclaimed performances in the recently released OMG 2 (2023) and Kadak Singh (2023). His upcoming projects are equally promising, with ‘Mirzapur 3’ and ‘Stree 2’ in the pipeline, as well as a key role in Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro Inn Dino,’ opposite Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur.
The weight of playing a former Prime Minister is not lost on Tripathi, who approached the role with a sense of responsibility and reverence. By immersing himself into the cadence of Vajpayee’s speech, understanding his political journey, and capturing the essence of his poetry, Tripathi channels a performance that seeks to resonate with those familiar with Vajpayee’s legacy, as well as introduce the stalwart leader to younger generations.
‘Main Atal Hoon’ arrives at a time when the Indian audience craves authentic storytelling and performances that transcend the screen. With Tripathi at the helm, the movie promises to offer a profound look into the life of one of India’s most respected political figures. While the opening day numbers provide a snapshot of the public’s initial response, the film’s true success will be measured by its endurance at the box office and the critical acclaim it garners.
As ‘Main Atal Hoon’ continues to screen across India, it is not just the numbers that will define its story, but the impact it has on the audience’s perception of a man who was not only a pivotal political figure but also a poet at heart. The film stands not only as a nostalgic recount for those who witnessed Vajpayee’s era but also as a bridge to a past that remains integral to the fabric of modern India.
With an actor of Pankaj Tripathi’s caliber at its core, ‘Main Atal Hoon’ is bound to unfurl the pages of history with dignity and grace, much like the beloved Atal Bihari Vajpayee did through his life and politics. The film’s journey is just beginning, and it will be a narrative worth following in the days to come.
