2 hrs ago
Hanuman Ansh Overcomes Setbacks Through Neem Karoli Baba Devotees
Hanuman Ansh is a film about Neem Karoli Baba.
Its director, Vishal Chaturvedi, had trouble finding enough money to make it.
Several people left because they thought the film could not be made on such a small budget.
Just before filming, the costume designer also quit.
A new costume designer joined and quickly prepared the clothes.
One day before shooting, the lead actor became very sick and could not continue.
Shobinaw Satya, who had been working as an assistant director, replaced him.
The director said many new team members were devotees of Neem Karoli Baba and Lord Hanuman.
Despite many problems, the film was completed and reportedly became a major commercial success.
Filmmaker Vishal Chaturvedi nearly shelved Hanuman Ansh after financiers and crew members withdrew.
The film’s budget fell to about 60% of the original plan after a financer backed out.
Several replacements, including costume designer Upasana Singh, were devotees of Neem Karoli Baba.
Lead actor Shobinaw Satya stepped in one day before shooting after the original actor became seriously ill.
The film, made despite production and funding challenges, reportedly became a Rs 300 crore success.
- Who
- Filmmaker Vishal Chaturvedi and his team, including Shobinaw Satya and several Neem Karoli Baba devotees.
- What
- The production of Hanuman Ansh overcame financing problems, crew departures, location issues, and a last-minute lead-actor replacement.
- Where
- The film was being prepared and shot in locations including Chitrakoot.
- When
- The major setbacks occurred during preparation and immediately before shooting, about eight months before the film’s release.
- Why
- Chaturvedi wanted to turn his work about Neem Karoli Baba into a film despite doubts about its feasibility and funding.
Key facts
- Film
- Hanuman Ansh
- Filmmaker
- Vishal Chaturvedi
- Budget setback
- The available budget fell to about 60% of the originally planned amount.
- Last-minute lead
- Shobinaw Satya replaced the original lead actor one day before shooting.
- Costume replacement
- Upasana Singh joined three days before the shoot and prepared the costumes in three days.
- Production location
- Chitrakoot
- Reported success
- The film reportedly achieved Rs 300 crore in earnings.
Quotes
Vishal Chaturvedi
Filmmaker and director of Hanuman Ansh
“Looking at the situation, my first AD said, ‘I have a friend, who is a costume designer. I think she can pull this off.’ She came, heard the story. Then we get to know that she is a hardcore devotee of Neem Karoli Baba. She readily agreed to do the film. She curated all the costumes in just three days. Her name is Upasana Singh.”
indianexpress.com
“People started to show interest. Many called and during the same time we decided to take a 43-day Hanuman Chalisa Sankalp thinking that if we want to put something so divine together, we should do this”
indianexpress.com










