Hanuman Ansh: Neem Karoli Baba biopic to release on SonyLIV amid rift over rights

Director Vishal Chaturvedi's Hanuman Ansh, based on the life of saint Neem Karoli Baba is set for its streaming release. Amid the alleged rift within the film's team over the film's rights and publicity arrangements, the devotional drama will have its OTT premiere on November 27, 2026.SonyLiv, on its Instagram handle, shared the film's trailer and wrote, "A divine force. An extraordinary story. A film loved by the nation, now coming home. Hanuman Ansh, arriving on Sony LIV on 27th November! #SitaRam (sic)."The streaming platform had previously also shared the poster of the film along with a caption which read, "Not just a story, but a journey of faith, devotion, and miracles that touched a billion hearts...Watch the most loved film of the year - Hanuman Ansh, arriving on 27th Nov only on Sony LIV...#SitaRam (sic)."Earlier, on Monday, in a statement released through Swambhu Media Network, Namrata and Vishal identified themselves as the Executive Directors and said they were the authorised representatives for the film's public relations, marketing, awards and partnerships. The statement also cautioned against individuals claiming to represent the film or independently handling its rights. The note also warned that no individual producer could independently make business arrangements concerning the film. Any such dealings, it said, would not be recognised by the company or the producers.The makers further said that anyone, including cast and crew members, wishing to speak publicly or represent Hanuman Ansh at interviews, podcasts, promotional events or other public platforms must first seek confirmation through the film's official communication channels. The statement highlighted that the film's credits would remain as mentioned in its official credits and that the company would take necessary steps to protect its rights and interests.However, the note also carried a disclaimer clarifying that the film's four producers are Namrata G Singh, Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, Ragini Sona and Anupriya Nagar. I emphasised that the rights are jointly held and that decisions concerning publicity, awards, partnerships and rights in India and overseas require the approval of all four producers under the production agreement.Hanuman Ansh, made on a reported budget of Rs 2 crore, the film has collected Rs 452.86 crore worldwide, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.The film depicts the story of Lakshminarayan, a young boy who loses his mother and begins searching for answers about God, life and death. His search takes him across North India, where he tries to make sense of human suffering and the larger questions of existence. This spiritual journey eventually leads to his transformation into Neem Karoli Baba, whose teachings continue to inspire devotees around the world.Hanuman Ansh features actor Shobhinaw Satyaa in the lead role alongside actors Vihaan Shedge, Chandan K Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey and Bhagvandas Patel.- Ends