How Steve Jobs Inspired 21-Year-Old Anupriya Nagar to Produce ₹100-Crore Hit ‘Hanuman Ansh’

Hanuman Ansh, a film centred on the life and teachings of spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba, has emerged as one of the year's biggest surprise box-office successes. Reportedly made on a budget of less than ₹2 crore, the film has now crossed the ₹100-crore mark at the box office, turning an unconventional project into a remarkable theatrical success.

Adding another unusual dimension to the story is the age and background of its producer. Anupriya Nagar, 21, had never intended to enter the film industry. She was pursuing an Economics degree in the UK and was preparing to move to Switzerland for a career in the art world when a college research project unexpectedly changed her path.

Steve Jobs connection led Anupriya to Neem Karoli Baba

During her final year at university, Nagar was researching major technology companies and the influences behind their founders. While reading about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, she came across references to his association with Neem Karoli Baba and his visit to Kainchi Dham.

The discovery surprised her and prompted her to investigate the Indian spiritual figure further.

According to Nagar, she initially considered documenting what she had learned through a book or comic book. However, after returning to India, she happened to meet filmmaker Vishal Chaturvedi, who was already developing a film on Neem Karoli Baba.

What began as academic research eventually turned into her first major film production.

'It was never about box-office collections'

Despite the film's extraordinary commercial performance, Nagar has said that financial returns were not the reason she became involved with the project.

Speaking about the success, she said the decision to make the film was a risk and that she had not expected it to generate substantial profits. The young producer also said she was still figuring out what to do with the money generated by the film.

Nagar has indicated that she would like to use part of her earnings to support underprivileged children and charitable causes.

Film initially declared a flop

The success of Hanuman Ansh became even more remarkable because the film reportedly struggled during its opening week.

Nagar recalled that the industry had begun considering the movie a flop after its first week, leaving the team disappointed that it had failed to reach a wider audience.

Its fortunes subsequently changed dramatically as viewers began recommending it to others. According to Nagar, word-of-mouth publicity and support from social-media influencers helped transform the film into a box-office phenomenon.

Two more Hanuman Ansh films planned

The producers are also considering expanding the story into a franchise. Nagar revealed that two additional parts are planned, although the team has yet to finalise their scale, budgets and other production details.

The producers are also yet to settle the film's OTT and satellite rights, with the theatrical run continuing to attract attention.

Nagar explained that the movie was financed by three producers along with co-producers who contributed financially to the project. She said the production encountered several challenges but that the team managed to overcome them one by one.

Who is Anupriya Nagar?

Although Nagar is now associated with a successful film, her background is rooted in economics and visual art.

She completed her graduation in Economics in the UK and comes from a family involved in art collecting. She has also participated in multiple art exhibitions and says she grew up surrounded by artists and creative work.

Nagar has spoken about being exposed from a young age to renowned Indian artists, including Jagdish Swaminathan, MF Husain, V.S. Gaitonde and S.H. Raza. She believes that this environment helped develop her interest in storytelling.

Her father's initial reaction to her decision to enter filmmaking was reportedly one of surprise. However, once he learned that the project was based on Neem Karoli Baba, he agreed to support her decision. Following the film's success, Nagar said her family is extremely proud of her achievement.

Anupriya Nagar on meeting Premanand Maharaj

Nagar also recalled meeting spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj after the film's shoot.

She said she sought his advice on whether making a film with a social purpose could be considered a form of service. According to Nagar, he supported the idea but emphasised the responsibility involved in portraying a spiritual figure.

She said he advised the filmmakers not to unnecessarily dramatise the story, while also stressing the importance of appropriate casting and avoiding unrealistic additions.

For Nagar, the journey from studying Economics in Britain to producing a ₹100-crore theatrical success has been anything but conventional. What began with an unexpected discovery about Steve Jobs and Neem Karoli Baba ultimately led her into an industry she had never planned to enter.