Hanuman Ansh has turned into an unexpected box-office success after opening to a sluggish response. Now in its fourth week, the film is outperforming Kannada superstar Yash’s Toxic in Hindi and has also triggered a fresh debate after director Vishal Chaturvedi claimed that Bollywood offered little support before its release.
During a recent podcast with Raunac, Chaturvedi said the film’s growth was largely powered by audiences and strong word of mouth, despite theatres reducing its screenings to make room for bigger releases. He also revealed that several industry figures reached out to congratulate him only after the film started doing well.
According to Chaturvedi, Hanuman Ansh suffered a significant reduction in screens and shows as exhibitors gave preference to larger films, with its daily show count falling from 250 to just 25. He further claimed that multiplex chains such as PVR and Cinepolis, particularly their prime-location properties, were initially reluctant to screen the film.
When asked whether Bollywood had supported the film before its release, Chaturvedi dismissed the idea with a laugh. He said several people contacted him with congratulations once the film became successful but chose not to reveal their names.
“One of those who congratulated me was Madhur Bhandarkar, whom I had not asked for any support. However, I am not mentioning the others because I had sought help from those people, and they didn’t help me. Hence, I don’t want to name them for now, just because they are congratulating me,” he said.
Chaturvedi also criticised those within the industry who had discouraged him from making the film.
“People discourage you, saying this content wouldn't work, but mostly don’t know what is going to work, but yet they pass on their gyaan to others. The industry is filled with confused people,” he said. He added that the industry consisted of people who genuinely wanted to make films as well as those who viewed filmmaking as something they could simply experiment with without having much passion for it.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar later praised Hanuman Ansh after watching it in a theatre. He described the experience as “pure cinematic magic” and said the audience remained completely engaged with the film. Bhandarkar also praised Chaturvedi’s direction and actor Shobhinav Satya’s portrayal of Neem Karoli Baba, calling the performance natural and flawless.
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also expressed her appreciation for the film, describing it as a “satsang” and encouraging audiences to watch it in theatres instead of seeking therapy.
Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, Hanuman Ansh is based on the life of Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj ji. The film follows a grieving boy who turns to God in the hope of reconnecting with his deceased mother. His spiritual journey ultimately leads him towards serving humanity through love, food and silent blessings, eventually becoming Hanuman Ansh, Neem Karoli Baba.
The film opened with earnings of just Rs 10 lakh on its first day but gained considerable momentum in its third week as positive word of mouth spread. It has reportedly collected Rs 72.88 crore in India so far, and a sequel has already been announced.
From a weak opening and a drastic reduction in screenings to a strong turnaround powered by audience support and growing attention from industry figures, Hanuman Ansh has continued to defy expectations at the box office.
