Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that Hanuman Ansh , a film based on the life and teachings of spiritual leader Neem Karoli Baba, will be made tax-free in the state.
Dhami watched the film at a cinema hall in Dehradun on Friday with his wife Geeta Dhami, cabinet ministers Ganesh Joshi and Pradeep Batra, and several MLAs. The film has emerged as a surprise hit at the box office this year.
Dhami said films such as Hanuman Ansh play an important role in highlighting Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural heritage before audiences in India and abroad.
"Through the film, we had the opportunity to know and understand Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ji's penance, sacrifice, service, and his unwavering faith in Lord Hanuman. His entire life was dedicated to the service of humanity, spiritual practice, and the welfare of society," the chief minister said in a post on X.
"The life of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ji gives us the message that devotion is not merely practice, but also the path of service, surrender, and human welfare," he added.
Dhami congratulated the team behind Hanuman Ansh , calling it an "inspirational and spiritual film". He also said Kainchi Dham has emerged as a major centre of faith and reverence for devotees around the world.
What is Hanuman Ansh about?
Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, Hanuman Ansh follows Lakshminarayan, a young man grieving the death of his mother, who embarks on a spiritual journey in search of God.
Travelling across North India in search of answers to questions surrounding life, death and human suffering, Lakshminarayan eventually transforms into the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba, whose teachings on love, service and compassion influenced countless people.
The film stars Shobhinaw Satya in the lead role, alongside Vihaan Shedge, Chandan K Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey and Bhagvandas Patel.
Hanuman Ansh box office performance
Hanuman Ansh was released in Indian theatres on August 7. The film had a slow start, recording modest box-office collections during its first two weeks before gaining momentum through strong word-of-mouth publicity.
According to trade website Sacnilk, the film has since earned Rs 97.77 crore in gross collections and Rs 82.88 crore nett at the box office.
