After watching Hanuman Ansh, a film based on Neem Karoli Baba, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag shared his experience of watching the film with his child on social media. His reaction left the film’s director and writer, Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, emotional.
Chaturvedi has now expressed his wish that Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma watch the film as well.
In a conversation with NDTV, Chaturvedi said he has always been a huge cricket fan. He revealed that he stopped watching cricket after the day Sehwag announced his retirement.
According to the director, the film’s team never approached Sehwag or requested him to watch the film. Despite this, Sehwag chose to watch it with his child and later shared his reaction publicly.
‘A cycle of life has been completed’
Chaturvedi said Sehwag watching and praising the film made him feel as though a cycle in his life had been completed. He described Sehwag’s gesture as deeply emotional and heart-touching.
The director now hopes that Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma will also watch Hanuman Ansh.
He said, “If something like this can happen, I want Virat and Anushka to watch the film too.”
Anushka Sharma has previously spoken about Neem Karoli Baba as her guru. In 2022, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Kainchi Dham with their daughter.
Actress Anushka Sharma has considered Neem Karoli Baba as her guru. In 2022, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Kainchi Dham with their daughter.
A scene from the film touched Sehwag’s heart
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag shared a video on Instagram in which he gave emotional and strong praise to Hanuman Ansh.
One particular scene in the film touched him. Sehwag recalled a scene in which Maharaj Ji has a snake around his neck and a devotee says that he is truly Shiva and completely innocent, or ‘Bhole’.
Maharaj Ji then replies, “You are the innocent one. The eyes see only what is in the mind, and the mind shows only what is in the heart.”
Sehwag told his followers that it is impossible to completely understand Maharaj Ji, but the film offers a beautiful glimpse into his life and teachings.
He urged people who know about Neem Karoli Baba or want to learn more about him to visit cinemas and watch the film.
Bollywood celebrities praise ‘Hanuman Ansh’
Several Bollywood personalities have also praised Hanuman Ansh. Actress and MP Kangana Ranaut shared her views about the film on her Instagram story. She wrote, “Hanuman Ansh is not a film, it is a satsang. Beautifully woven short stories of those who have personally experienced Neem Karoli Baba. Forget your therapy and go watch this.”
Film director Madhur Bhandarkar also praised the film, calling it a case study for the Indian film industry.
Kangana Ranaut’s post.
He said the low-budget film, which does not feature a big star cast, is an important example for the industry. According to him, it proves that dedication and a powerful story can outperform big-budget films at the box office.
Bhandarkar also congratulated the entire team and thanked the audience for turning the film into a blockbuster.
Hanuman Ansh collected ₹7.75 crore net in India on Wednesday. Its total gross collection in India has reached ₹72.97 crore, while its total net earnings stand at ₹61.88 crore. The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on 11 September 2026.
Know the key faces behind ‘Hanuman Ansh’
Director — Vishal Chaturvedi
Hanuman Ansh has been directed by 42-year-old Vishal Chaturvedi. Before entering the film industry, Chaturvedi was a doctor.
This is his second film as a director. He previously directed the 2012 film Warning.
Vishal Chaturvedi.
Actor — Shobhinav Satya
Actor Shobhinav Satya plays Neem Karoli Baba in Hanuman Ansh.
He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Apart from acting, he has worked in the assistant director, second unit director, script and continuity departments.
He has been associated with projects such as Mahapaur, CID, Ragini MMS and Happily Ever After.
Shobhinav Satya.
Actor — Chandan K. Anand
Chandan K. Anand plays Dr Ram Nandan Bhosle in the film.
Before this, he appeared in supporting roles in several films and television shows. His film credits include Aloo Chaat, Parched, Love Aaj Kal, Gunjan Saxena, Fighter and Homebound.
He has also worked in television shows such as Barrister Babu, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam and Meet.
Chandan K. Anand.
Singer — Sunil Lodhi
The popular viral song Maine Tere Hi Bharose Hanuman from Hanuman Ansh has been sung by Sunil Lodhi.
The 25-year-old singer is visually impaired and comes from a small village called Agra in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district.
For years, Lodhi performed bhajans and Bundeli folk songs in his village, at local fairs and even on trains. His singing videos later went viral on social media, opening the door for him to sing for Hanuman Ansh.
Singer Sunil Lodhi
