The devotional film Hanuman Ansh, based on the life and teachings of spiritual guru Neem Karoli Baba, has become one of the surprise successes of 2026. Amid the film’s growing popularity, writer-director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi has opened up about the spiritual discipline that guided the project.
Speaking on The Raunac Podcast, Chaturvedi revealed that the filmmaking process was designed to reflect the spiritual subject at its centre. “The set was vegetarian, and we used to do the Hanuman Chalisa path everyday,” he said. He also disclosed that he followed a fruit-only diet for around four-and-a-half months before the film’s release.
Director Waived His Fee
Chaturvedi, who also produced the film, said he chose not to take his directing fee for the project. His decision, along with the spiritual practices followed during production, reflected his personal connection with the subject and his desire to maintain what he considered an appropriate environment for a film centred on Neem Karoli Baba.
The filmmaker had been researching the story for years. His interest in Neem Karoli Baba began around 2009, while more systematic research for the film took shape between 2016-17 and 2022-23. He travelled to several places associated with Baba and collected accounts to build a screenplay grounded in documented stories.
Jai Santoshi Maa Inspired The Film
Chaturvedi also revealed that the 1975 devotional classic Jai Santoshi Maa was a major inspiration. He studied the film for around one-and-a-half years while thinking about why the devotional genre had largely disappeared from mainstream cinema.
According to the director, he wanted Hanuman Ansh to bring the story of an Indian saint to audiences while presenting spirituality in a way that could connect with different generations.
A Slow Start Turned Into A Major Success
Hanuman Ansh released in theatres on August 7, 2026, and initially had a modest opening. However, positive word-of-mouth helped the film gain momentum in subsequent weeks. The film has now crossed the Rs 100 crore mark domestically, according to reports citing box-office tracking data.
The film stars Shobhinaw Satyaa as Neem Karoli Baba and has been written, directed and produced by Vishal Chaturvedi. Satyaa’s casting itself became an unusual part of the film’s story, as he was initially working as an assistant director before being considered for the lead role.
With its unexpected theatrical success, Hanuman Ansh has brought renewed attention to devotional cinema and to the life and philosophy of Neem Karoli Baba.
