Varun Dhawan Praises Hanuman Ansh, Calls It ‘Divine’

Varun Dhawan Hanuman Ansh praise has added fresh attention to a film that has already become one of the most unexpected box-office stories of 2026. After watching the devotional drama in a theatre with his mother, Varun urged audiences to experience it with their parents, children and friends, describing his own viewing as “amazing” and the film itself as something “divine.” His endorsement came as the Vishal Chaturvedi-directed movie had crossed ₹122 crore in net domestic collections after 31 days, far beyond the expectations attached to its modest production scale.

Varun shared his reaction through Instagram Stories after visiting a cinema with his mother, Karuna Dhawan. He made it clear that nobody from the film’s team had asked him to promote the project and said he simply wanted to share his response after watching it. The actor also spoke about his longstanding connection with Lord Hanuman, explaining why the spiritual themes of the film had a particularly personal impact on him.

The actor did more than recommend the movie. He specifically praised Shobhinaw Satyaa for his performance as Neem Karoli Baba and applauded Vishal Chaturvedi’s direction. His comments arrive at a significant point in the film’s theatrical journey because the movie did not begin as an obvious commercial success. Instead, strong word of mouth helped it build momentum weeks after its release and turn a low-budget devotional project into a major Hindi box-office performer.

Why has Varun Dhawan Hanuman Ansh praise become significant?

Varun’s recommendation matters because it comes after the film had already established an unusual connection with audiences rather than simply arriving as a heavily promoted star vehicle. Hanuman Ansh opened quietly on August 7 and initially struggled to find a large audience, but its fortunes changed dramatically as viewers began recommending it to others. By Day 31, the film had earned ₹122.13 crore net in India, including ₹22.75 crore on its fifth Sunday, showing that its strongest phase arrived weeks after release.

The scale of that turnaround makes Varun’s comments more relevant than a routine celebrity endorsement. The film was made on a reported budget of around ₹2 crore, yet its theatrical run has continued to grow despite competition from much larger releases. Its fifth weekend was particularly striking, with the movie recording more than ₹49 crore over three days and demonstrating the strength of audience-driven demand. The result has positioned Hanuman Ansh as a rare example of a small film becoming a sustained theatrical phenomenon through word of mouth.

How did Shobhinaw Satyaa become the face of Hanuman Ansh?

One of the most remarkable stories behind the film concerns Shobhinaw Satyaa, whom Varun singled out for praise. Satyaa did not initially join the project as its leading actor; he was working as an assistant director when the actor originally chosen to play Neem Karoli Baba became seriously ill. Director Vishal Chaturvedi then considered Satyaa for the role, partly because of his resemblance and demeanour, and eventually selected him after an extended audition.

According to reports, Satyaa’s audition took place around Chitrakoot and lasted several hours before Chaturvedi became convinced that he could carry the central character. The production itself also faced serious uncertainty, with members of the cast and crew reportedly leaving because they believed the film might not even reach the shooting stage. Satyaa remained committed to the project, turning an unexpected casting change into his acting debut and eventually becoming one of the biggest talking points surrounding the film.

What is next for Hanuman Ansh after its box-office success?

The story is not expected to end with the first film. Vishal Chaturvedi has confirmed that a sequel is in development, with the next chapter expected to explore more phases of Neem Karoli Baba’s life and spiritual journey. Reports indicate that the follow-up will move through places connected with his life, including Firozabad, Agra and Mathura. The makers had already conceived Hanuman Ansh as part of a larger trilogy when the project was announced.

The film is based on Chaturvedi’s book Divine Detour and focuses on the spiritual journey associated with Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. The first instalment has therefore done more than establish a surprise box-office hit; it has created momentum for a larger cinematic story. For Varun, however, the immediate message was simpler: he wanted audiences to watch the film with people close to them and experience what he described as a deeply spiritual cinematic experience.

Varun Dhawan’s reaction arrives at a moment when Hanuman Ansh has already moved well beyond the ₹100-crore milestone and continues to attract audiences in its fifth week. What began as a modestly released devotional drama has developed into a strong word-of-mouth success, while Shobhinaw Satyaa’s unexpected move from assistant director to lead actor has become part of its wider story. The sequel plans mean the film’s journey could continue beyond its current theatrical run, although release details for the next instalment are yet to be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Varun Dhawan say about Hanuman Ansh?

Varun Dhawan called his theatre experience with Hanuman Ansh “amazing” and described the film as “divine.” He also encouraged audiences to watch it with their parents, children, friends and family.

How much has Hanuman Ansh earned at the box office?

Hanuman Ansh had earned ₹122.13 crore net in India after 31 days, according to reports published on September 7, 2026. Its fifth weekend produced especially strong collections.

Who plays Neem Karoli Baba in Hanuman Ansh?

Shobhinaw Satyaa plays Neem Karoli Baba in the film. He originally worked as an assistant director on the project before taking the lead role after the originally selected actor became seriously ill.