Hanuman Ansh film has received praise from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said the Hindi devotional drama brings India’s spiritual traditions and faith to life through genuine storytelling. Sarma’s remarks come as the film continues to attract attention across India following a strong theatrical run and growing interest ahead of its international release.
In a post on X on September 4, Sarma said he had been hearing about the film and had repeatedly listened to its devotional songs. He praised the film’s portrayal of faith and India’s spiritual traditions, describing it as an example of how authentic storytelling can connect deeply with audiences.
Himanta highlights India’s spiritual traditions
Sarma’s comments have added to the growing public conversation around the film, which focuses on the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. The spiritual leader is widely associated with devotion, service and the chanting of the name of Lord Hanuman.
The film seeks to present this spiritual journey for contemporary audiences while retaining its focus on faith, humility and service. Its official promotional material describes the story as being rooted in India’s Sant Parampara and guided by Neem Karoli Baba’s life, teachings and legacy.
The response from Sarma is significant because it comes as devotional cinema continues to find an audience beyond conventional Bollywood storytelling. His appreciation also places renewed attention on the film’s attempt to portray spirituality through a character-driven narrative.
Hanuman Ansh film tells Neem Karoli Baba’s story
Directed and written by Vishal Chaturvedi, the movie stars Shobhinaw Satyaa, Chandan K Anand, Vihaan Shedge, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi and Gulshan Pandey. It was released in Indian theatres on July 31, 2026.
The story follows a grieving boy’s search for God after losing his mother and traces his spiritual transformation into Neem Karoli Baba. The narrative centres on themes such as devotion, compassion, service and helping others.
Rather than relying primarily on conventional commercial elements, the film has built much of its appeal around its spiritual subject and word-of-mouth response. That connection has helped it gain momentum despite a relatively modest beginning.
Film turns into a surprise box-office success
The commercial performance of the Hanuman Ansh film has become another major talking point. Recent reports have described the movie as one of the surprise successes of 2026.
According to The Economic Times, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 2 crore and had earned approximately Rs 57 crore within 27 days, making it one of the most profitable Bollywood films of the year.
Other recent reports have put its India net collection above Rs 70 crore after four weeks. The film has reportedly continued to benefit from audience recommendations and increasing interest despite opening with limited expectations.
The success has also challenged assumptions about the commercial potential of spiritual dramas. The film’s performance suggests that audiences may respond strongly to stories centred on faith and cultural traditions when they are presented in an accessible format.
International release expands its reach
The film’s growing popularity in India is now being followed by an overseas push. Hombale Films has announced that the movie will receive an international release on September 11, 2026. The move is expected to take its story of Neem Karoli Baba and Indian spirituality to audiences outside the country.
The international release could further increase interest in Indian devotional cinema, particularly among audiences familiar with India’s spiritual traditions and the global following of Neem Karoli Baba.
The film has also generated discussion around its journey to theatres. Director Vishal Chaturvedi recently spoke about the movie being rejected by an OTT platform before its theatrical success. Despite that setback, the film found an audience through cinemas and continued to expand its reach.
A growing audience for spiritual cinema
The praise from Himanta Biswa Sarma comes at a moment when the Hanuman Ansh film has moved beyond being a niche devotional release. Its box-office performance, celebrity reactions and planned international distribution have helped turn it into a wider cultural conversation.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has also praised the film and encouraged audiences to watch it in theatres. His response has added further visibility to the project and its central spiritual message.
For the filmmakers, the combination of audience support and public appreciation could provide momentum for future projects. Producer Anupriya Nagar has already indicated plans for two more instalments, suggesting that the story may develop into a larger cinematic series.
With Himanta’s endorsement adding to the growing attention, the Hanuman Ansh film is emerging as a notable example of how stories rooted in Indian spirituality can find a substantial audience in contemporary cinema. Its upcoming overseas release will offer another test of the film’s ability to connect with viewers beyond India.