Hanuman Ansh declared tax-free in Uttarakhand after surprise box office success

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday announced that Hanuman Ansh, a film based on the life and teachings of spiritual leader Neem Karoli Baba, will be made tax-free in the state. The film, released in theatres on August 7, has emerged as a surprise hit after a slow start at the box office.

After watching the film at a cinema hall in Dehradun with his wife Geeta Dhami, cabinet colleagues Ganesh Joshi and Pradeep Batra, and several MLAs, the chief minister said such films play an important role in presenting Uttarakhand's spiritual and cultural heritage to the nation and the world.

In a post on X, Dhami said, "Through the film, we had the opportunity to know and understand Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ji's penance,



sacrifice, service, and his unwavering faith in Lord Hanuman. His entire life was dedicated to the service of humanity, spiritual practice, and the welfare of society."

He added, "The life of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ji gives us the message that devotion is not merely practice, but also the path of service, surrender, and human welfare."

Dhami also congratulated the team of Hanuman Ansh for making an "inspirational and spiritual film". He said Kainchi Dham has now become a major centre of faith and reverence across the world.

Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film follows a grieving young Lakshminarayan, who begins a spiritual journey in search of God after his mother's death.