Director Vishal Chaturvedi has opened up about the strict spiritual atmosphere on the sets of Hanuman Ansh. While filming the story of Neem Karoli Baba, he wanted the entire production to reflect the film’s spiritual essence.
Therefore, the filmmaker introduced several rules. There was no swearing, no loud fighting and no aggressive behaviour. Moreover, non-vegetarian food and alcohol were completely banned from the sets.
The team also began every shooting day with the Hanuman Chalisa. Over time, the prayer became an important part of the film’s journey.
No Cursing or Fighting Allowed on Hanuman Ansh Sets
Chaturvedi wanted the Hanuman Ansh sets to remain peaceful and respectful. So, he established strict ground rules for everyone involved.
“No gaali nahi de sakta,” the director explained while discussing the restrictions. In addition, loud arguments, unnecessary drama and aggressive behaviour were not tolerated.
However, the rules did not end there. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol were also kept completely away from the sets.
For Chaturvedi, these rules were not simply about discipline. Instead, they were closely connected to the spiritual world of the film.
Hanuman Chalisa Became a Daily Ritual
One of the most important practices on the sets was the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. Every shooting day began with the prayer.
Whenever possible, the team also ended the day with it. As a result, the ritual gradually became much more than a routine.
It helped the cast and crew feel positive and grounded. Moreover, Chaturvedi believes it helped the team deal with unexpected problems during the shoot.
Prayers Helped During Difficult Shooting Days
The director recalled that the shoot did not always go according to plan. Even with a 7 am call time, the camera sometimes did not roll for several hours.
There were different issues and delays on set. However, instead of allowing the frustration to take over, the team would turn to the Hanuman Chalisa.
According to Chaturvedi, the prayer often helped ease the situation. Somehow, the problems would begin to settle and the team could eventually get back to work.
For him, this experience further strengthened the spiritual connection behind Hanuman Ansh.
Neem Karoli Baba’s Teachings Inspired the Team
Chaturvedi also connected these practices to the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj Ji.
According to the filmmaker, Baba never took credit for the good things happening around him. Instead, he directed people towards Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram.
His philosophy focused on devotion, seva and helping others. Feeding the hungry and spreading the name of Ram were also important parts of his message.
Therefore, Chaturvedi wanted those values to influence the actual making of Hanuman Ansh. He did not want the film to simply talk about spirituality. He wanted the team to experience it as well.
Even the Film’s Promotions Focused on Seva
Interestingly, the spiritual approach continued even after filming ended. It also became a major part of the movie’s promotional campaign.
Instead of relying only on traditional advertising, the team wanted to communicate Maharaj Ji’s message through action.
As a result, they organised eight Bade Mangal bhandaras. Food was distributed to people as part of the campaign.
The idea was simple. Rather than just speaking about seva, the team wanted to practise it.
Chaturvedi believes this helped audiences connect with Hanuman Ansh in a more meaningful way. Moreover, it showed that the team was genuinely trying to follow the philosophy behind the story.
Hanuman Ansh Emerges as a Surprise Hit
Meanwhile, the film has also delivered a remarkable theatrical performance.
Reportedly made on a budget of around ₹2 crore, Hanuman Ansh opened with just ₹10 lakh. However, the film gradually picked up momentum.
Strong word of mouth appears to have played a major role. As more viewers discovered the film, its theatrical numbers continued to rise.
By Day 28, the film had reportedly earned around ₹72.88 crore net in India. Furthermore, reported Day 29 figures took its India net collection to approximately ₹82.88 crore.
The jump is particularly impressive considering the film’s modest opening and reported budget. Consequently, Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of the notable sleeper successes of 2026.
Why Audiences Connected With Hanuman Ansh
The film’s performance also highlights the audience’s interest in stories rooted in faith and spirituality.
Usually, big-budget spectacles dominate the box-office conversation. However, Hanuman Ansh has taken a very different route.
The film has relied heavily on its spiritual subject and emotional appeal. At the same time, positive word of mouth has helped it reach a much wider audience.
The team’s promotional strategy also gave the film a unique identity. Instead of simply asking people to watch the movie, they connected the campaign with the idea of service.
A Different Approach to Film Promotion
The eight Bade Mangal bhandaras became an extension of the film’s central message. In turn, this gave the promotional campaign a more personal and community-driven feel.
Moreover, the approach helped separate Hanuman Ansh from conventional movie marketing.
The team was not only promoting a story about devotion. They were also attempting to put its values into practice.
That distinction appears to have resonated with viewers. After all, audiences could see an effort to carry the film’s message beyond the screen.
Spirituality Shaped More Than Just the Film
Chaturvedi’s revelations offer an interesting look at the making of Hanuman Ansh. Spirituality was not limited to the screenplay or the subject.
Instead, it influenced the entire production environment. From the food served on set to the behaviour expected from the team, everything followed a specific philosophy.
The Hanuman Chalisa further became a daily source of strength for the cast and crew. Meanwhile, the focus on seva continued through the film’s promotions.
As the movie’s reported box-office numbers continue to attract attention, its journey becomes even more interesting.
From a ₹10 Lakh Opening to a Reported ₹82.88 Crore
The story of Hanuman Ansh is ultimately one of an unexpected turnaround.
The film began with a reported ₹10 lakh opening. Yet, strong word of mouth gradually changed its theatrical fortunes.
By Day 29, its reported India net collection had reached approximately ₹82.88 crore. For a film made on a reported ₹2 crore budget, that is a remarkable achievement.
More importantly, its success has brought attention to a different kind of cinema. It shows that a focused story, a strong emotional connection and genuine audience support can sometimes outperform expectations.
For Vishal Chaturvedi, however, the film’s journey appears to be about more than box-office numbers. The strict rules, daily prayers and seva-driven promotions all reflect the spiritual philosophy that inspired Hanuman Ansh in the first place.
And now, as the film continues to make waves, audiences are clearly taking notice.
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