Hanuman Ansh made tax-free in Uttarakhand after CM Dhami watches it: ‘Devotion is also service’

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced tax-free status for Hanuman Ansh, a film based on the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, after watching the surprise box-office success in Dehradun. The decision has also brought renewed attention to the role of governments in promoting films centred on religion, spirituality and regional cultural heritage.

What happened with Hanuman Ansh?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Friday that Hanuman Ansh would be made tax-free in the state.

Dhami watched the film at a cinema hall in Dehradun with his wife Geeta Dhami, cabinet colleagues Ganesh Joshi and Pradeep Batra, and several MLAs.

The chief minister said the film helps showcase Uttarakhand's spiritual and cultural heritage to audiences in India and abroad.

In a post on X, Dhami highlighted Neem Karoli Baba's devotion to Lord Hanuman, along with his emphasis on service, spiritual practice and the welfare of society.

He described the film as an "inspirational and spiritual film" and congratulated its makers.

ALSO READ | Thrissur accident: Kin of TN students unaware of fatal trip; heartbreaking last visuals emerge

Why is the tax-free decision significant?

The announcement comes after Hanuman Ansh turned into a surprise theatrical success despite a slow beginning.

The film was released on August 7 and reportedly recorded modest collections during its first two weeks. Its business subsequently improved through word of mouth.

According to Sacnilk, the film has collected Rs 97.77 crore in gross revenue and Rs 82.88 crore in net collections so far.

Making a film tax-free can reduce the tax burden on its theatrical exhibition in the state. In this case, the Uttarakhand government has linked the decision to the film's portrayal of the state's spiritual and cultural heritage.

ALSO READ | ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ OTT release date: When and where to watch Nivin Pauly’s Onam hit

Are religion-based films getting special treatment?

The Uttarakhand decision raises a broader question about the relationship between governments and films dealing with religion, spirituality and cultural identity.

State governments have previously granted tax exemptions or other incentives to selected films for reasons ranging from cultural promotion and historical significance to social messaging and regional representation.

That does not by itself establish that religious films as a category receive preferential treatment across India. Tax-free status is generally a state-level policy decision, and the reasons can differ from one film or state to another.

However, when governments specifically promote films depicting religious figures, traditions or spiritual heritage, the decisions can generate debate over whether public policy should support such cinema because of its cultural value, or whether similar incentives should be available to films covering other subjects with social or regional significance.

In the case of Hanuman Ansh, Dhami's stated justification is the film's portrayal of Uttarakhand's spiritual heritage and Neem Karoli Baba's teachings.

What is Hanuman Ansh about?

Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film follows Lakshminarayan, a young man grieving the death of his mother.

He begins a spiritual journey across North India while searching for answers about God, death, suffering and the meaning of life. The story eventually leads to his transformation into Neem Karoli Baba, whose teachings focused on love, service and compassion.

The film stars Shobhinaw Satya in the lead role, alongside Vihaan Shedge, Chandan K Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey and Bhagvandas Patel.

Why Uttarakhand matters to the film

The film's connection with Uttarakhand is particularly significant because of Kainchi Dham, which is associated with Neem Karoli Baba and has become an important spiritual destination.

Dhami said Kainchi Dham has developed into a major centre of faith and reverence internationally.

By making Hanuman Ansh tax-free, the state government is therefore not simply responding to a successful film; it is also positioning the movie as a vehicle for highlighting Uttarakhand's spiritual heritage.

The larger debate

The decision comes at a time when films based on religion, mythology, historical figures and cultural traditions frequently attract significant public attention.

Government support for such films can have two sides. Supporters can view tax exemptions as a way of promoting regional culture, tourism and heritage. Critics may question whether governments should selectively reduce taxes on films based on their religious or ideological themes.

The key issue is therefore not simply whether Hanuman Ansh has been made tax-free, but what criteria governments use when deciding which films qualify for such benefits.

For Hanuman Ansh, Uttarakhand has explicitly connected the exemption to the film's portrayal of the state's spiritual and cultural heritage.