Hanuman Ansh is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language biographical spiritual drama written, directed and co-produced by Vishal Chaturvedi under the banner Swambhu Media Network. It is the first instalment of a planned trilogy and is based on his book Divine Detour: That Changed My Life, which draws on the life of the saint Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba and Maharaj Ji. The film stars Shobhinaw Satyaa, Chandan K. Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Vihaan Shedge, Anil Rastogi and Gulshan Pandey.

Principal photography took place in November 2025, primarily in Chitrakoot, with some portions shot in Mumbai. The film was released in theatres on 7 August 2026, after being postponed from its earlier date of 31 July 2026. It opened to very low collections but gained strength through word of mouth from its third week onwards. Made on a reported budget of around ₹2 crore, it became one of the most profitable Indian films of all time and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2026.

Hanuman Ansh – Movie Details

Category	Details
Movie Name	Hanuman Ansh
Release Date	7 August 2026
Country	India
Language	Hindi
Genre	Biographical, Spiritual Drama
Director	Vishal Chaturvedi
Writer	Vishal Chaturvedi
Lead Cast	Shobhinaw Satyaa, Chandan K. Anand, Purnima Tiwari
Supporting Cast	Vihaan Shedge, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey, Bhagvandas Patel, Rajiv Mishra, Neha Paranjpe
Production Companies	Swambhu Media Network, Holy Cow Home Productions
Producers	Ragini Sona, Namrata G. Singh, Anupriya A. Nagar, Vishal Chaturvedi
Runtime	150 minutes
Estimated Budget	₹1.8–2 crore
Box Office Collection	₹436.83 crore (worldwide gross)
Franchise	Planned trilogy
Based On	Divine Detour: That Changed My Life

Plot

Hanuman Ansh follows the early life of Lakshminarayan Sharma, a boy from Akbarpur in the Braj region who later becomes known as Neem Karoli Baba. The story is set in pre-Independence India. After the death of his mother, thirteen-year-old Lakshminarayan leaves home, believing that only Lord Ram can reunite him with her. Inspired by the Hanuman Chalisa, he seeks union with Ram through Hanuman.

His search takes him to a Vaishnava temple in Rajkot, Gujarat, where the old Mahant recognises his spiritual inclination and tests him. The boy remains quiet and unassuming, rejects comfort and praise, and leaves. The sequence suggests that even institutions can become a form of bondage.

For years, Lakshminarayan wanders across Northern India. He meditates beneath trees, sleeps beside rivers and lives on alms. He encounters ascetics, particularly those of the Nath Sampradaya and Naga sadhus, and develops his spirituality through nature. On one occasion, he remains underwater for so long that villagers believe he has drowned before he resurfaces.

The officials seek his forgiveness, and he produces four first-class tickets. He says he needs nothing because Hanuman provides for him, but asks that no saint in India be removed from a train for lacking a ticket and that a station be built for local residents. The officer agrees. The station later becomes known as Baba Lakshman Das Puri Halt in present-day Farrukhabad district, and Lakshmandas thereafter becomes known as Neem Karoli Baba.

Movie Plot Ending

A villager later recognises him as a former resident of Braj and informs his father. The father finds him and reveals that he was married in childhood, according to custom, to a girl named Rambeti. The film notes that child marriage is now illegal and that the custom has been abolished. Accepting his responsibility, he returns home and formally marries Rambeti. After ensuring that she has sufficient food, he leaves to visit Neebkarori, but later departs following a dispute with the landowner of the temple site and travels to Kainchi mountain near Nainital.

There, he helps a frightened man who has lost his way at night. After the man recites the Hanuman Chalisa, Maharaj Ji appears and guides him safely. The film ends with a hint of a sequel. Its central message follows the teaching most associated with the saint: love all, serve all, feed all and remember Ram.

Main Cast and Characters

Shobhinaw Satyaa as Lakshmi Narayan Sharma / Neem Karoli Baba: He plays the saint from his childhood grief to his years as a wandering seeker and his emergence as a revered figure. Satyaa was originally the film’s second assistant director. When the actor first cast in the role fell ill during the initial schedule, Satyaa auditioned and was selected as the lead. His performance is among the most discussed aspects of the film.

Chandan K. Anand as Ram Nandan Bhosale: He plays an important supporting character in the story and is credited among the principal cast.

Purnima Tiwari as Ram Beti: She plays Rambeti, the girl to whom the young saint was married in childhood. Her character brings the themes of duty, family custom and responsibility into the narrative.

Vihaan Shedge as Maharaj Ji Teen: He is credited in a prominent role and is listed among the leading cast in the film’s theatrical listings.

Anil Rastogi as Mahant Ji: He plays the elderly temple head in Rajkot who tests the young seeker. The character represents organised religion and the choice between comfort and the path of the wanderer.

Gulshan Pandey as Inspector Dharam Singh: He plays a police inspector who appears in the film’s episodes involving local authority.

Supporting Cast: Sugandha Malhotra plays Sudhi, Bhagvandas Patel plays Gopal, Neha Paranjpe plays Parvati, Udaysinh Rajput plays Banshidhar, Gautam Tripathi plays Radheshyam, Rajiv Mishra plays Daroga Nasir Khan, Rishikesh Dubey plays Poornanand Tiwari, Aleksei Danilov plays Mr Francis, Santosh Dixit plays Hariram and Amit Dubey plays the ticket examiner in the train sequence. Nikhil Dubey, Sadvik Sharma, Brijpal Singh, Yash Pandey, Aman Mehta, Rajnish Srivastava and Abhishek Mishra also appear in smaller roles.

Production, Creative and Technical Aspects

Development and Story

Hanuman Ansh was developed as the first part of a trilogy based on Vishal Chaturvedi’s spiritual memoir. The director began researching the life of Neem Karoli Baba informally around 2009. The research became more systematic in 2016–17 and expanded further in 2022–23, taking him to places associated with the saint, including Vrindavan, Akbarpur, Neeb Karori and Lucknow. The final screenplay draws primarily on stories he collected and on accounts documented in books and other sources.

The first film covers the early life of the saint, beginning in Firozabad and continuing until his youth. The sequel is expected to cover the periods associated with Agra and Mathura. The film was officially launched with its theatrical poster unveiled at Kainchi Dham, the main ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, in early 2026.

Casting and Characters

Shobhinaw Satyaa leads the cast as Neem Karoli Baba, alongside Chandan K. Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Vihaan Shedge, Anil Rastogi and Gulshan Pandey. The film relies largely on fresh faces rather than established stars, and the casting was handled by Girdhar Swami and Naresh N. K. Sharma. The production chose relatively unknown actors to keep the focus on the story and the character of the saint.

Filming and Locations

Principal photography took place in November 2025 and was centred on Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh. The opening scene was filmed at Punjabi Baba Ashram in Chitrakoot, along with key sequences such as the installation of a Hanuman idol and the construction of Baba’s cave. Some portions were also shot in Mumbai. The locations gave the film its rural and ashram settings, its temple scenes and the wandering landscapes through which the young saint travels.

Production Companies

The film was produced by Swambhu Media Network and Holy Cow Home Productions. Ragini Sona, Namrata G. Singh, Anupriya A. Nagar and Vishal Chaturvedi are credited as producers, and Piyush Thakur is the executive producer. The film was made on a very small budget, reportedly around ₹1.8–2 crore, with the three women producers each reported to have contributed about ₹60 lakh. These amounts are industry estimates rather than audited figures.

Music and Background Score

Sadhu Sushil Tiwari is the principal music composer. Rishi Pathak, Shreyas Dharmadhikari, Dhirendra Mulkalwar and Krishna Das also contributed to the soundtrack. The score and songs lean on traditional bhajans, folk melodies and devotional chants. The music supports the film’s calm and reflective tone rather than building suspense, and it is used to mark the spiritual transitions in the saint’s journey.

Cinematography and Editing

Vishal Bawa handled the cinematography, while Shankh Rajadhyaksha edited the film, with Ritish Kesharwani also credited as an editor. The visual effects were handled by Pankaj Vashisht, and the sound team included Shishir Chousalkar and Mayur Mohanan. The cinematography uses natural settings, rivers, temples and open landscapes to reflect the saint’s wandering life. The film’s miracle sequences, such as the stalled train, rely on visual effects and sound design. The film’s simple visual style and measured pace are among the aspects that audiences have discussed most.

Music and Soundtrack Details

The soundtrack of Hanuman Ansh consists of twelve devotional tracks released in July 2026. The album brings together original compositions, traditional bhajans, folk songs and chants, and explores themes of devotion, surrender, service and faith. The principal composer is Sadhu Sushil Tiwari.

Song	Singer(s)	Music by	Lyrics by
Aavagaman	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Traditional (arranged by Sadhu S. Tiwari)
Saasa Haale	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Traditional
Zid Pe Aa Gayi Parvati	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari
Maine Tere Hi Bharose	Sunil Lodhi	Traditional (folk)	Traditional
Jai Hanuman	Shreyas Dharmadhikari	Rishi Pathak	Shreyas Dharmadhikari, Rishi Pathak
Ram Bhajan Ki Or	Nivedita Padmanabhan	Rishi Pathak	Rishi Pathak
Bajrang Baanka	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Traditional
Vaishnav Jan To	Rishi Pathak	Rishi Pathak	Traditional
Hey Kharari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari	Sadhu S. Tiwari
Om Namah Shivaya	Krishna Das	Krishna Das	Jeff Kagel
Shri Ram Jai Ram	Krishna Das	Krishna Das	Jeff Kagel
Hriday Mein Jinke Sita Ram	Vishal Chaturvedi	Dhirendra Mulkalwar	Vishal Chaturvedi

1. Aavagaman

“Aavagaman” is composed and sung by Sadhu S. Tiwari, with traditional lyrics arranged by him. The song serves as an introduction to the film’s spiritual world. Its simple arrangement and devotional tone set the mood for the saint’s journey and prepare the audience for the quiet, reflective storytelling that follows.

2. Jai Hanuman

“Jai Hanuman” is sung by Shreyas Dharmadhikari and composed by Rishi Pathak, with lyrics by Dharmadhikari and Pathak. The track is a devotional tribute to Hanuman, whose worship is central to the film’s story. It reflects the young seeker’s faith in the Hanuman Chalisa and his belief that devotion to Hanuman leads to Ram.

3. Ram Bhajan Ki Or

“Ram Bhajan Ki Or” is sung by Nivedita Padmanabhan and composed and written by Rishi Pathak. The song has a gentle, melodic character and connects with the film’s themes of longing, loss and spiritual reunion. It supports the emotional portions of the story, particularly those related to the boy’s grief over his mother.

4. Maine Tere Hi Bharose

“Maine Tere Hi Bharose” is sung by Sunil Lodhi and is based on a traditional folk composition. The song expresses complete trust in the divine and fits the film’s depiction of the saint’s life of surrender, in which he accepts alms and relies on Hanuman for everything he needs.

5. Om Namah Shivaya and Shri Ram Jai Ram

Krishna Das, the well-known kirtan singer, performs both “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Shri Ram Jai Ram”, with lyrics credited to Jeff Kagel. Krishna Das is a long-time devotee of Neem Karoli Baba, and his chants bring an international devotional dimension to the album.

6. Hriday Mein Jinke Sita Ram

Vishal Chaturvedi wrote and sang “Hriday Mein Jinke Sita Ram,” while Dhirendra Mulkalwar composed the music. The song reflects the central line associated with the film: a person whose work is service, whose feeling is devotion and in whose heart lives Sita Ram.

Other Tracks

“Saasa Haale”, “Zid Pe Aa Gayi Parvati”, “Bajrang Baanka” and “Hey Kharari” are all sung and composed by Sadhu S. Tiwari, while “Vaishnav Jan To” is performed and composed by Rishi Pathak. Together, these tracks provide the film with a folk-devotional sound rooted in the Braj and Bundelkhand regions.

Background Score

The background score supports the film’s devotional atmosphere through instrumental passages, chanting and ambient sound. The film uses it to emphasize the miracle sequences, slow the pace during the wandering episodes, and highlight emotional moments, such as the boy’s separation from his mother. Unlike the songs, which carry explicit devotional lyrics, the score works through restraint and silence.

Release Date and Theatrical Distribution

Hanuman Ansh Release Details

Detail	Information
Film Title	Hanuman Ansh
Originally Planned Release	31 July 2026
Release Date in India	7 August 2026
Trailer Release Date	18 July 2026
Certification	U (Universal)
Runtime	150 minutes
Theatrical Format	2D
Languages	Hindi (original), with Braj and Bundeli subtitles; Hindi and Tamil versions listed; Telugu shows added from 9 October 2026
Production Companies	Swambhu Media Network and Holy Cow Home Productions
Theatrical Distribution (India)	Cinépolis India; Panorama Studios (Delhi-UP circuit)
Overseas Distribution	Hombale Films
Overseas Release Date	11 September 2026 in most territories
OTT Release Date	Not officially confirmed
OTT Release Platform	Not officially confirmed

Official Release Date

The makers released Hanuman Ansh in Indian cinemas on 7 August 2026, after postponing its original 31 July 2026 release date by one week. They released the trailer on 18 July 2026 and shared the film’s first-look posters and teaser through their official social media accounts. The poster was first unveiled at Kainchi Dham earlier in the year.

Slow Start and Screen Expansion

The film opened on approximately 250 screens in India alongside other new releases. Weak demand in the second week reduced its screen count to around 40. As audiences began recommending the film, Cinépolis India gradually expanded the release to more than 2,000 screens across the country. This progressive increase in screens became a central part of the film’s commercial story.

Worldwide Theatrical Release

International distribution rights were acquired by Hombale Films on 3 September 2026. The overseas release followed on 11 September 2026 in markets including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Oman and Nepal. Bahrain followed on 10 September, Hong Kong on 18 September and the United States on 6 October 2026. The international rollout extended the film’s reach to the Indian diaspora and to followers of Neem Karoli Baba outside India.

Certification and Runtime

The film carries a U (Universal) certificate, which makes it suitable for viewers of all ages. Its runtime is 150 minutes, equivalent to two hours and 30 minutes. The extended runtime allows the story to cover the saint’s childhood, his years of wandering, the train incident, his return home and his arrival at Kainchi.

Theatrical Formats and Presentation

The film premiered in standard 2D format, with the original Hindi version serving as its primary release. Cinema platforms listed different language options depending on the location, including Hindi and Tamil versions, along with Braj and Bundeli subtitles. Theaters added Telugu-language screenings to the schedule during the film’s tenth week.

State-Level Recognition

On 5 September 2026, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami watched the film in Dehradun. The film was subsequently declared tax-free in the state, which made tickets cheaper for audiences there. The decision was significant because Kainchi Dham, the saint’s main ashram, is located in Uttarakhand.

OTT Release and Streaming Availability

The official OTT release date and streaming platform for Hanuman Ansh have not been confirmed. The makers have stated that discussions with streaming platforms are ongoing but that no deal has been finalised. The producers have also indicated that they want to prioritise a 100-day theatrical run and the big-screen experience before a digital release.

A digital premiere would typically follow the end of the theatrical run, but the timing depends on distribution agreements and the streaming partner’s announcement. Until the producers or an authorised platform confirm the details, a specific OTT date or service should not be presented as final. Websites that list an expected OTT date identical to the theatrical release date are not reliable. This section will need to be updated once an official announcement identifies the platform and date.

Budget and Box Office Collection

Hanuman Ansh Budget and Box Office

Box Office Detail	Reported Figures
Estimated Production Budget	₹1.8–2 crore
Release Date	7 August 2026
Opening Day Collection (India Net)	Approximately ₹10 lakh
First Week Collection (India Net)	Approximately ₹1 crore
Third Week Collection (India Net)	Approximately ₹10.35 crore
Fourth Week Collection (India Net)	Approximately ₹58 crore
India Net Collection	₹335.73 crore reported by Day 67
India Gross Collection	₹396.33 crore reported by Day 67
Overseas Collection	Approximately ₹40.50 crore
Worldwide Gross Collection	Approximately ₹436.83 crore

Production Budget

The reported budget of Hanuman Ansh is approximately ₹1.8–2 crore, which makes it one of the lowest-budget films to reach this scale of commercial success. The budget covers filming, cast and crew, locations and post-production, and does not include a large marketing spend. These amounts are industry estimates rather than publicly audited figures. Against this cost, the film’s returns are among the highest in Indian cinema history.

Opening Day Box Office Collection

Hanuman Ansh had a very weak opening on 7 August 2026. Trade reports estimated the first-day India net collection at only about ₹10 lakh, with the film running on around 250 screens. The film premiered alongside other new releases, but the makers did not launch a major promotional campaign or generate significant advance buzz. Its lack of star power and limited publicity made the low opening largely predictable. The first week’s collection was approximately ₹1 crore.

Growth Through Word of Mouth

The film’s collections remained low in the second week at about ₹0.5 crore, when its screen count fell to around 40. From the third week, audience recommendations began to lift the numbers sharply. Collections reached about ₹10.35 crore in the third week and about ₹58 crore in the fourth, before peaking at approximately ₹84.75 crore in the fifth week.

Week	India Net Collection (₹ crore, approx.)
Week 1	0.90
Week 2	0.50
Week 3	10.35
Week 4	58.25
Week 5	84.75
Week 6	76.75
Week 7	42.75
Week 8	27.00
Week 9	10.25

The tenth weekend, from 9 to 11 October, added approximately ₹6.5 crore net. On Day 67, the tenth Monday, the film collected about ₹1.25 crore net, a drop of around 55 percent from the previous day.

India Net and Gross Collection

By Day 67, reports placed the film’s India net collection at approximately ₹335.73 crore and its India gross collection at around ₹396.33 crore. India net refers to ticket revenue after entertainment tax deductions, whereas India gross represents ticket revenue before those deductions. These figures measure different aspects of box office performance and should not be treated as interchangeable. Some publications report slightly lower or higher totals, with India net estimates ranging from about ₹319 crore to about ₹336 crore, depending on the reporting method and cut-off time. Since the film’s theatrical run was still continuing on 13 October 2026, the totals remained provisional.

Overseas and Worldwide Collection

The film recorded approximately ₹40.50 crore from overseas markets, with contributions from the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Combining domestic and overseas earnings, the worldwide gross collection was approximately ₹436.83 crore at this stage of the run. Worldwide gross revenue should not be confused with the amount ultimately received by the producers and distributors.

Records and Milestones

The film crossed ₹100 crore in India within its fifth week and went on to earn well over 100 times its production budget in gross terms. It is widely described as one of the most profitable Indian films ever made and as the highest theatrical return on investment of all time, comparable to the 1975 devotional film Jai Santoshi Maa. In its fifth weekend, it collected more than ₹48 crore and led the weekend box office, ahead of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. After 40 days, it had grossed more than ₹300 crore worldwide.

Factors Behind the Commercial Success

Several factors contributed to the film’s growth:

• Positive word of mouth from early audiences, especially after the second week.
• The large existing following of Neem Karoli Baba in India and abroad.
• The gradual expansion from about 40 screens to more than 2,000 screens.
• Public praise from film personalities and religious followers.
• Tax-free status in Uttarakhand.
• The very low budget, which allowed the film to turn a profit at modest collections.

Ratings, Reviews and Audience Reception

Rating Platform	Rating / Review
IMDb	Approximately 8.0/10
BookMyShow	Approximately 9.0/10
Letterboxd	3.1/5
Aggregated Critics Score	Approximately 73/100
PVR INOX	Audience reviews available; no verified aggregate rating
Leading Indian newspapers	Critics’ reviews available

Ratings and review availability should be verified against current listings before publication, as scores and audience votes can change.

IMDb Rating and User Reviews

Hanuman Ansh has an IMDb rating of approximately 8.0/10 in the available listing. Viewers have shown interest in the lead performance, the devotional music and the film’s calm treatment of the saint’s early life. Audience discussions frequently focus on Shobhinaw Satyaa’s portrayal of Neem Karoli Baba, the train sequence and the simplicity of the storytelling. IMDb ratings change as more users submit votes, so the score should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent rating.

BookMyShow Rating and Audience Response

On BookMyShow, the film has been listed with an audience rating of approximately 9.0/10. User feedback highlights the soundtrack, the performances and the peaceful mood of the film, and many viewers describe a feeling of positivity after watching it. Some viewers have also commented on the slow pace and the film’s low-budget production values. The platform’s rating and vote count may change as more people submit reviews.

Critics Reviews and Overall Reception

Critics received the film generally positively. Reviewers praised its sincerity, its emotional core, the soundtrack and the natural performances of the supporting cast, while some noted that faster editing would have made the film crisper. One leading review gave it 3 out of 5, and an aggregate of critics’ ratings placed the film at around 73 out of 100. Reviews in Hindi-language publications described it as a film that touches the heart without relying on dramatic excess.

Divided Audience Opinions

Audience opinion on community review platforms has been more divided, with a Letterboxd average of about 3.1 out of 5. Viewers who liked the film described it as moving, soulful and an authentic portrayal of the Braj region. Critical viewers commented on the production quality, the slow pace, the repeated miracle sequences and the absence of conflict or nuance in the characters. Some devotees also noted that the saint himself encouraged people to worship God rather than individuals, and felt that the film’s emphasis on miracles sits uneasily with that message.

Responses from Public Figures

The film received public praise from actor Kangana Ranaut, who recommended it on social media. Spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj reportedly advised the makers to present the saint’s life faithfully and without distortion. Singer Krishna Das, a long-time devotee of Neem Karoli Baba, blessed the team before the release.

Hanuman Ansh 2 and the Planned Trilogy

The makers planned Hanuman Ansh as the first film in a trilogy, and the ending hints that the story of Neem Karoli Baba will continue. In September 2026, Vishal Chaturvedi confirmed that the team had already begun work on the second instalment. The sequel is expected to explore the periods associated with Agra and Mathura. However, the makers have not announced its release date or cast details.

Hanuman Ansh Photos

The photo gallery of Hanuman Ansh features memorable moments from the film, including the young Lakshminarayan on his journey, the Hanuman idol installation, the temple scenes in Rajkot, the stalled train sequence and the arrival at Kainchi. These photos offer a closer look at the cast, the film’s rural settings and its calm devotional atmosphere.

Where to Watch Hanuman Ansh

Hanuman Ansh was released in theatres in India on 7 August 2026 and continues to be shown in many cities, though at fewer shows than at its peak. Its current availability may vary by city and cinema, so viewers should check local listings before planning a visit. The makers have not confirmed the official OTT release date or streaming platform. Until they announce these details, audiences can check cinema-booking platforms for showtimes, ticket prices, and available seats.

• BookMyShow: Search for the film to check nearby cinemas, available showtimes and ticket prices.
• Cinépolis India: Check the film’s listing and available shows at participating Cinépolis locations.
• PVR INOX: Search for screenings at participating PVR and INOX cinemas.
• District: Browse local cinema listings and available movie tickets.
• TicketNew: Check participating theatres and book available screenings.

Availability depends on the city, cinema and current schedule. These platforms list shows by location, so search for the film there to confirm whether tickets are available. The official OTT platform and digital release date should be added to this section once announced.

Is Hanuman Ansh Worth Watching?

Hanuman Ansh is worth considering for viewers who are interested in spiritual and devotional cinema, in the life of Neem Karoli Baba, or in stories about faith, loss and service. The film’s main appeal lies in its sincere performances, its devotional soundtrack and its calm, reflective treatment of a saint’s early years. Followers of the saint and viewers familiar with Kainchi Dham may find it especially meaningful, since it explains how a grieving boy from Braj became a revered spiritual figure.

However, viewers who expect a fast-paced drama, a strong central conflict or a polished large-scale production may find the film slow and modest. The film follows a series of incidents and miracles instead of a conventional plot, while its very low budget limits its production values. The ending hints at a sequel, positioning the film as the first chapter of a larger story. Overall, it is worth considering for audiences who enjoy quiet, faith-based storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)