Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of the surprise success stories of 2026, turning a modest theatrical beginning into an impressive box-office run. As the Vishal Chaturvedi directorial crosses the Rs 80 crore mark, the filmmaker has opened up about the difficult journey behind the film, including an OTT platform’s rejection that he described as a deeply upsetting experience.
Vishal Chaturvedi recalls how his film got rejected
According to India TV, Chaturvedi recalled pitching the film to a major streaming platform before its theatrical release. However, the project was reportedly turned down during the pitch process. The filmmaker said the experience was particularly difficult because of the manner in which the project was dismissed, describing the interaction as “derogatory”. He shared, “I had gone to pitch my story on an OTT platform, and there they told me that I have an Indian story with international relevance. I narrated Maharaj Ji’s story in such a way that I literally broke down.”
Further shared how he felt, “Mujhe laga jis tarah unhone reject kiya, jis bhaasha ka prayog kiya, woh thodi derogatory thi. The way they said it, I felt that the narrative in their mind, the way they rejected it, there is a hole in their mind through the narrative. Now it is necessary to bust that narrative.”
The rejection came at a time when Chaturvedi was trying to find backing for a film rooted in spirituality rather than conventional commercial themes. Hanuman Ansh is based on the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj Ji, and draws from the book Divine Detour: That Changed My Life. The film stars Shobhinav Satyaa and Chandan Anand in pivotal roles, with Purnima Tiwari and Vihaan Shedge also featuring in the cast.
Hanuman Ansh turns into a sleeper hit
Despite the setbacks, Chaturvedi decided to take the film to theatres. Released on August 7, Hanuman Ansh opened to a relatively muted response, collecting around Rs 10 lakh on its first day. However, positive word of mouth gradually changed its fortunes. The film began attracting larger audiences in subsequent weeks, eventually recording its highest single-day collection of Rs 12.75 crore on its 24th day. He plans for a sequel now.
The film’s unexpected growth has also brought renewed attention to Chaturvedi’s earlier concerns about the lack of industry support. The filmmaker has spoken about approaching people in Bollywood for assistance but receiving little encouragement before the release. Interestingly, following the film’s success, he began receiving congratulatory messages and calls from several people in the industry.
Hanuman Ansh has now gone well beyond the expectations attached to its initial release. Its strong theatrical performance has led to plans for a sequel, while Hombale Films is also taking the movie to international audiences with a worldwide release scheduled for September 11.
For Chaturvedi, the film’s success is particularly significant because it follows rejection at a stage when securing support seemed difficult. What began as a project that struggled to find acceptance has now become a sleeper hit, with audiences ultimately giving the film the validation its makers had hoped for.
