Written by Hanuman Ansh producer Anupriya Nagar reveals how Steve Jobs sparked her interest in Neem Karoli Baba and led her from Economics to filmmaking.
Hanuman Ansh, a film based on Neem Karoli Baba, has become the talk of the town. Not just because it is centred on the famous saint, who has followers across the country, but because of the extraordinary journey the film has had since its release. Made on a reported budget of under Rs 2 crore, the film has now crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, making its theatrical journey particularly notable.
She added that the success of Hanuman Ansh has made her family extremely proud.
Recalling the difference in her father’s reaction before and after the film’s success, Anupriya said, “When I first told him that I am making a film, my dad was like… ‘You are studying Economics. How are you going to get into this industry?’ But when I told him it was on Neem Karoli Baba, he immediately agreed. They are so proud today.”
Anupriya Nagar recalls meeting Premanand Maharaj
In the same interview, Anupriya also recalled meeting Premanand Maharaj and said he advised the team not to dramatise or “spice up” the story.
“I was fortunate to meet him. It was after the film’s shoot. I asked him that we are making a film for society, will that be considered a seva? He said it is a good thing to make a film with a good cause. But he told us to be aware of the responsibility that comes with the film and its theme. He said, ‘Don’t dramatise it and make sure the casting is good and don’t add anything unrealistic to the film.’”
Hanuman Ansh’s total 30 day collection stands at Rs 100.91 crore.
