Hanuman Ansh, a devotional drama inspired by the life of Neem Karoli Baba, has become one of the biggest surprise successes of 2026. After a weak opening and limited theatrical presence, strong word of mouth has completely transformed the film’s box-office journey.

Slow Start Turns Into an Unexpected Comeback
The film had a modest beginning at the box office, collecting only around Rs 1.30 crore net during its first two weeks. Its performance was initially so limited that several exhibitors reduced shows, and the film was left playing on only a small number of screens in some regions. At that stage, Hanuman Ansh appeared unlikely to make a major theatrical impact. However, positive audience reactions gradually began spreading, giving the film a second life and changing its trajectory in a dramatic way.

Word of Mouth Drives Massive Screen Expansion
The biggest factor behind the turnaround has been strong word of mouth. As more viewers recommended the devotional drama, audience demand reportedly increased across several markets. Exhibitors responded by adding more shows and bringing the film back to additional theatres. Its screen count is said to have jumped from approximately 40 screens in the second week to nearly 400 screens during the third week. Such a significant increase after an initially weak run highlights the unusual momentum the film has managed to generate.

Third Week Delivers Major Box Office Growth
The real breakthrough came during the third week, when Hanuman Ansh crossed the Rs 8 crore net mark and continued to register growth. The performance is particularly notable because it came despite competition from major new releases, including Toxic. Trade trends indicate that Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Mumbai have emerged as some of the film’s strongest territories. Instead of losing screens to bigger titles, the devotional drama has continued attracting audiences and strengthening its theatrical position.

Low Budget Pushes Hanuman Ansh Into Profit Zone
The film’s success becomes even more significant when its modest production budget is considered. With its costs reportedly already recovered, Hanuman Ansh has entered the profitable stage of its theatrical run. Its rise from a limited-screen release to a film showing across hundreds of screens demonstrates how audience support can still reshape a movie’s fortunes. If the current momentum continues, Hanuman Ansh could finish its run as one of the most notable sleeper hits of 2026, proving that strong content and sustained word of mouth can sometimes outperform scale and star power.