Neem Karoli Baba-inspired devotional film Hanuman Ansh has reportedly crossed ₹100 crore at the box office despite its modest budget and slow theatrical opening.
Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of Indian cinema’s most unexpected box-office successes of 2026. Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the devotional drama reportedly crossed the ₹100-crore milestone during its fifth weekend in cinemas.
Inspired by the life and teachings of revered spiritual leader Neem Karoli Baba, the film was reportedly produced for less than ₹2 crore. It features Shobhinaw Satyaa in the central role—an actor who initially worked on the project as an assistant director before being selected to portray the spiritual figure.
Released on August 7, the film began its theatrical journey quietly. Reports suggest that it opened on approximately 25 screens and earned only around ₹10 lakh on its first day. Audience interest, however, increased significantly through positive word of mouth, prompting exhibitors to add thousands of screenings across India.
The film’s earnings accelerated during its third and fourth weeks, an unusual trend for a theatrical release. Trade estimates indicated that it collected more than 50 times its opening-week total during the fourth week alone. By its fifth Sunday, its reported collection had moved beyond the ₹100-crore mark.
Individual box-office trackers have published different totals because some figures represent India net collections while others include taxes or worldwide earnings. Nevertheless, the available estimates agree that the film has comfortably recovered its modest production cost and become a major sleeper hit.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association has also reportedly requested Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to grant the film tax-free status in the state, citing its cultural and spiritual subject.
Without a major star cast or an extensive initial release, the success of Hanuman Ansh demonstrates the potential of audience recommendations and content-driven cinema to transform a small production into a nationwide theatrical phenomenon.
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