Cinema VinesVishal Chaturvedi’s spiritual drama Hanuman Ansh has turned heads and wallets alike, raking in ₹143.13 crore net in India since its August 7 release. The film, which follows the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba—also known as Maharaj ji, a saint revered by many as an incarnation of Lord Hanuman—stars Shobhinaw Satyaa in the lead role. Though the film opened modestly, word‑of‑mouth propelled it into a box‑office hit, prompting a visit from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.
During the meeting, Chaturvedi and Satyaa were photographed alongside CM Adityanath at his official residence. The CM’s office posted the images on X, describing the visit as a courtesy from the film’s producers, director, and cast. In one frame, Satyaa is seen with folded hands beside the chief minister, while another shows the crew presenting a gift to the leader. The encounter follows a successful run at theatres and a surge in collections that has surprised many industry insiders.
Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also attended a special screening of Hanuman Ansh. After the viewing, Dhami called the movie a “must‑watch spiritual film” and announced that it would be declared tax‑free in the state. He highlighted the film’s connection to Uttarakhand’s Kainchi Dham, a pilgrimage site closely associated with Baba’s legacy.
Produced on a modest budget, Hanuman Ansh was released exclusively in India on August 4, earning only a few lakh rupees per day initially. A few days later, however, the film experienced a sharp uptick in revenue, ultimately grossing ₹169.20 crore worldwide. Trade portal Sacnilk reports that the film’s net collection stands at ₹143.13 crore. An international release is slated for September 11, and industry analysts are watching to see if the overseas audience will further boost its earnings.
Behind the camera, Chaturvedi has a background in journalism, holding a master’s degree and years of experience as a field reporter and sub‑editor for outlets such as The Times of India and Reader’s Digest. His passion for cinema, however, has driven him to create a movie that blends spiritual storytelling with commercial appeal. With the support of political leaders and a growing audience, Hanuman Ansh has become a notable example of how faith‑based narratives can resonate across diverse demographics.
