A Tale of Two Devotions

"Hanuman Ansh," the latest directorial venture by Vishal Chaturvedi, presents a seemingly simple question: is it about Lord Hanuman or Neem Karoli Baba? The answer, as the film unfolds, is both, and that duality forms the core of its narrative twist. The title, which means "a particle of Lord Hanuman," does not refer to the deity himself but rather to a man who came to embody that devotion—Neem Karoli Baba.

The film draws from the life of Neem Karoli Baba, a spiritual teacher whose reverence for Lord Hanuman was central to his existence. As reported by the Times of India, the devotional drama is inspired by the spiritual journey of the sage, who was widely known as Maharaj-ji. Chaturvedi, who has also written the screenplay and dialogues, based the film on stories of Baba's life and his devotion to the monkey god, according to India Today.

From a Boy's Search to a Man's Purpose

The narrative begins with a 12-year-old Lakshmi, later known as Lakshman Das and eventually Neem Karoli Baba, as he processes the loss of his mother. As India Today describes, when he loses her, he is told she has gone to Lord Ram. For a grieving child, this is not an abstract idea—it is a tangible search. He reasons that if Lord Hanuman is Ram's greatest devotee, then Hanuman can take him to Ram. This emotional logic weaves the two figures together: the boy's search for his mother becomes a search for God, and his search for God leads him to Hanuman, shaping the man he becomes.

This humanistic approach distinguishes the film. Rather than grand theology, the film brings spirituality to earth, focusing on everyday matters—mothers, hungry children, broken families, and the simple act of helping another person. India Today highlights this aspect, noting that the film's success lies in its ability to present spirituality through love, compassion, and selfless service.

Early Life and Spiritual Transformation

The film chronicles the early years and spiritual transformation of Lakshman Das, as the Times of India notes. It includes scenes such as one set in 1943 under British rule, where a saint offers food to a hungry man, and a scene where a widow is exploited by a moneylender. According to India Today, the film also depicts Neem Karoli Baba forgiving a British officer who removed him from a train. These vignettes illustrate the film's central theme: that devotion to the Lord is expressed through service to humanity.

A Life Beyond the Cinema

The life of Neem Karoli Baba extends far beyond the silver screen. As the Times of India details, he was born Lakshman Narayan Sharma around 1900 in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh, and passed away on September 11, 1973, in Vrindavan. His legacy was carried to the West by followers like Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, a former Harvard psychologist who documented his spiritual experiences in the influential book "Be Here Now." The film's relevance is also underscored by the fact that his ashram, Kainchi Dham, in Uttarakhand, has attracted visits from technology leaders like Steve Jobs in the 1970s and, reportedly, Mark Zuckerberg during a difficult for Facebook. Actress Julia Roberts has also said she felt drawn to him after seeing his photograph.

A Revealing Release

"Hanuman Ansh," which was theatrically released on August 7, 2026, stars Shobhinav Satya in the lead role, with Chandan Anand also a lead actor. The supporting cast includes Nikhil Dubey, Udaysinh Rajput, Purnima Tiwari, and Mannish Chaudhary. As reported by India Today, the film's release has seen it win over audiences with its unexpected twist—one that brings together the divine and the human in a single narrative.