This Hanuman Ansh movie review explores how the film pays tribute to Neem Karoli Baba and brings his life and teachings to a wider audience. Maharaj-ji continues to shower his love and instil faith in people even after he is gone. Aptly named, Hanuman Ansh accomplishes the important task of paying tribute to none other than Neeb Karori Baba (also known as Neem Karoli Baba) through cinema, thereby introducing him to a wider audience. My parents, who were unaware of him, got to know him better through this medium, that means a job well done.
The movie explores his journey from childhood to becoming an ascetic and takes you along a winding road filled with his countless miracles. It pays homage to him by drawing upon the experiences of those who were fortunate enough to see and meet him in person. Even while doing all of this, Hanuman Ansh does not forget to awaken a dormant sense of faith in people, inspiring you to become a better version of yourself. At its core lies the path of bhakti (devotion), which can be followed by adhering to a simple maxim: do good, be honest and spread love.
I had the good fortune of visiting Kainchi Dham during my atheist days in 2019, when the place was not particularly crowded. I wandered through the calm temple, looking at the photographs and wondering whether the person in them was an ascetic revered by the town. I remember looking at the shallow stream beneath the bridge, where all kinds of beautiful fish swam. We soon moved on to another place, but the feeling of having been close to someone I did not know lingered with me.
Two years later, when I returned to being a believer, I began reading about Maharaj-ji and watching numerous videos about him. I felt deeply inspired, yet sorry about my initial visit. It seemed as though Maharaj-ji wanted me to return, so he did not reveal his identity to me the first time because I would not have understood his importance back then.
The Direction and Writing of Hanuman Ansh Movie Review
While it may not be the best movie in terms of direction, the aspect that stands out is its writing. Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, who is also the author of Divine Detour: That Changed My Life, the movie remains greatly uplifted by its music. Krishna Das‘ stirring, tremulous music placed at just the right moments, resonates profoundly enough to give you goosebumps.
Unfortunately, because of its limited budget, Hanuman Ansh has to rely on poor visual effects. However, if you overlook those bits and try to understand what the creators intended to depict, it’s easy to look past those shortcomings.
Viewed through a cinematic lens, there are, of course, issues with the casting, dialogue delivery, acting and more. The editing flaws are plainly visible, and you immediately understand the movie’s production limitations. Its editing could certainly have been better as well. Nevertheless, the movie works almost miraculously because of the subject it chooses. It is about spirituality and the most revered Indian deity Hanuman-ji, and who could be a better harbinger of it than Maharaj-ji himself, who already has a considerable following in India.
The movie is a boon for those who knew Neem Karoli Baba personally, while ensuring that those who did not can now become acquainted with him. It does him justice by showcasing different aspects of his life. It portrays Baba’s extraordinary nature, kindness and simplicity. His mystical powers will remain a subject of discussion on the internet, while the miracles attributed to him and his service to those in need will continue to inspire astonishment.
He truly was a siddha mahatma who removed obstacles from the paths of the people he encountered and continued to transform their lives for the better.
Missed Opportunities in Hanuman Ansh: Movie Review
Given its limited runtime, Hanuman Ansh does not delve deeply into Baba’s later years. It does not reach the point at which we learn how profoundly his Western followers were inspired by him. Nor does it explore the lives of his devoted disciples in detail or the significant events associated with his prophecies, such as the complete eradication of smallpox.
When the movie ends, you realise that what you have seen represents perhaps only ten per cent of who he was and how much he gave to the people around him. However, it leaves you wanting to know more, almost as if it is encouraging you to discover the rest through your own research.
Hanuman Ansh is a feel-good creation that makes you want to begin meditating rigorously or become a more ardent follower of your faith. The film contains so many poignant moments that you barely realise when your eyes begin to well up.
The Final Verdict
If you have heard of Neem Karoli Baba, or have always wanted to learn about him, Hanuman Ansh is a fitting introduction. It traces his journey from childhood to asceticism, touching upon his marriage, the prophecies attributed to him and the miracles that made him a revered figure in his lifetime and for generations thereafter. The film may be technically modest, but its sincerity is difficult to question. More importantly, it leaves you curious to discover the vast life that lies beyond what it can show.
Much like Guide, another film rooted in spiritual awakening and personal transformation, Hanuman Ansh explores how faith can reshape a person’s life.
Hanuman Ansh
