21-Year-Old Bets Her Savings, Film Strikes Rs 200 Cr Gold

There was hardly any buzz around Hanuman Ansh when it released in theatres in August. But strong word of mouth gradually changed the film’s fortunes, and the devotional drama based on the life and legacy of spiritual leader Neem Karoli Baba went on to become a major success.

The film has now reportedly crossed Rs 200 crore at the box office.

One of the producers, 21-year-old Anupriya Nagar, has revealed that she invested all her savings in the film after joining the project during post-production.

Speaking to ANI in Uttar Pradesh, Anupriya said that three women had produced the film and that she was the youngest among them.

“I joined during post-production. The team told me that the film had been completed, but they did not have enough funds for post-production. I put all my savings into the film because I felt a strong emotional connection with it. It is a very emotional project for me,” she said.

Anupriya added that one of the main reasons she connected with the project was Neem Karoli Baba’s influence across the world.

She pointed out that personalities such as Larry Brilliant and Steve Jobs were inspired by Neem Karoli Baba, but said many people in India were still not fully aware of his life and spiritual journey.

She also clarified that reports suggesting she had financed the entire film were incorrect.

According to Anupriya, she contributed around one-third of the film’s total budget. She said the team had already recovered its investment and described the film’s success as nothing short of a miracle.

Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, Hanuman Ansh features Chandan Anand and Shobhinav Satyaa in the lead roles.

The film was reportedly made on a modest budget of Rs 2 crore and released in theatres on August 7 without much promotion.

Hanuman Ansh traces the journey of Lakshman Das and his transformation into Neem Karoli Baba. The story follows his spiritual journey from a young age and how he eventually became a widely respected spiritual figure.

Vishal Chaturvedi, the film’s writer-director, is a doctor-turned-filmmaker.

The film is produced by Swambhu Media Network Pvt Ltd, Ragini S, Namrata G S and Anupriya A Nagar, and is currently running in theatres.