Cinema VinesIn a move that underscores the cultural significance of cinema in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the film "Hanuman Ansh" will be declared tax‑free within the state. The decision follows the movie’s unexpected success and its focus on the life and teachings of the revered spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba.
Dhami, accompanied by his wife Geeta Dhami, cabinet ministers Ganesh Joshi and Pradeep Batra, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly, screened the film at a Dehradun cinema hall on Friday. He praised the movie for highlighting Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural heritage, stating that films like "Hanuman Ansh" play a vital role in presenting the state’s legacy to both national and international audiences.
In a post on X, the chief minister reflected on the film’s portrayal of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ji’s penance, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in Lord Hanuman. He highlighted the saint’s lifelong dedication to humanity, spiritual practice, and societal welfare, emphasizing that devotion transcends mere ritual to encompass service, surrender, and the betterment of humanity.
Dhami extended congratulations to the "Hanuman Ansh" team, describing the film as "inspirational and spiritual." He noted that Kainchi Dham has evolved into a global center of faith and reverence, a development the film helped to spotlight.
Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, "Hanuman Ansh" follows a grieving young man, Lakshminarayan, who embarks on a spiritual quest after his mother’s death. His journey across North India leads him to become the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba, whose teachings of love, service, and compassion have touched countless lives. The cast features Shobhinaw Satya in the lead role, supported by Vihaan Shedge, Chandan K Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey, and Bhagvandas Patel.
Released in Indian theatres on August 7, the film experienced a modest opening, with limited collections in its first fortnight. However, strong word‑of‑mouth propelled it to a total gross of ₹97.77 crore and a net of ₹82.88 crore, according to trade website Sacnilk. The tax‑free status is expected to further boost its reach and accessibility across Uttarakhand.
