Cinema VinesIn a quiet August release, the devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has quietly amassed over ₹200 crore at the Indian box office, a feat that has surprised many industry observers. The film, which chronicles the life of spiritual guru Neem Karoli Baba—known to the world as Maharaji—rose from a modest ₹2 crore budget to a blockbuster, buoyed by word‑of‑mouth and the growing interest in the guru’s legacy.
Behind the film’s success stands 21‑year‑old producer Anupriya Nagar, who joined the project during post‑production when the team lacked funds. Nagar, the youngest of three women producers, invested all of her savings to keep the film moving. “I put all my savings into this film because I felt a strong emotional connection to it,” she told ANI in Uttar Pradesh. “It is a very emotional project for me.” She added that her contribution covered one‑third of the total budget, and that the film has already recovered its investment.
Nagar emphasized the cultural significance of the story, noting that Neem Karoli Baba inspired figures such as Larry Brilliant and Steve Jobs, yet remains relatively unknown in India. “I want people to know his life story and visit his ashram,” she said. She clarified that she did not single‑handedly produce the film, countering misconceptions that she was the sole producer.
Directed and written by Vishal Chaturvedi, a doctor‑turned‑filmmaker, Hanuman Ansh follows the journey of Lakshman Das—later known as Neem Karoli Baba—from his early years at age thirteen to his rise as a revered spiritual leader. The ensemble cast includes Chandan Anand and Shobhinav Satyaa in the lead roles. The film was produced by Swambhu Media Network Pvt. Ltd., Ragini S, Namrata G S, and Anupriya A Nagar, and continues to run in theatres nationwide.
Neem Karoli Baba, born around 1900 in Firozabad district, Uttar Pradesh, became a wandering hermit after an early marriage and passed away in 1973. His devotees include international celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, and even tech icons Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, who reportedly visited his ashram in Kainchi Dham. The film’s success has reignited interest in his teachings and the ashram’s spiritual heritage.
