The Uttarakhand government has decided to reimburse the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) collected on ticket sales for the film 'Hanuman Ansh' at cinemas and multiplexes across the state, in a move aimed at promoting the spiritually themed biographical film. The order was issued by Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, directing the State Tax Department to initiate the necessary steps for reimbursement.

What the Order Says

According to the official order, both Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and SGST are currently levied on ticket sales for 'Hanuman Ansh' screenings in Uttarakhand. The state government has opted to reimburse the SGST component — the portion it controls — as an incentive to encourage wider audiences to watch the film. The CGST component, which falls under the Centre's purview, remains unaffected by the order.

About the Film

'Hanuman Ansh' chronicles the life of Laxman Das, who would go on to be revered across India as Neem Karoli Baba — a saint who attracted millions of followers. The film traces his spiritual transformation from ordinary life to a path of deep devotion. It has been directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, with actor Shobhinav Satya portraying Neem Karoli Baba and Chandan K. Anand playing the role of Dr Ram Nandan Bhosale. Purnima Tiwari and veteran actor Anil Rastogi also feature in key roles.

Box Office Performance

Despite opening with collections of around ₹10 lakh in its first theatrical days, 'Hanuman Ansh' has shown remarkable staying power, continuing to draw audiences even after completing more than 35 days of its theatrical run. The film has reportedly crossed the ₹200 crore mark in gross collections in India, with weekend earnings showing an upward trend — an unusual trajectory for a film this far into its release cycle.

Other States Extend Support

Uttarakhand is the second state to offer a tax-related benefit to the film. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared 'Hanuman Ansh' tax-free on 11 September, after watching it alongside his Cabinet in Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government said the film highlights cultural, spiritual, and moral values rooted in India's saint traditions, and encouraged families and young audiences to watch it. This pattern — state governments extending fiscal support to films with religious or cultural themes — has become increasingly visible in recent years as a tool of cultural promotion.

Significance and Context

The decision by Uttarakhand — a state with deep cultural and spiritual significance as home to major pilgrimage sites — carries symbolic weight beyond the tax relief itself. With 'Hanuman Ansh' already past the ₹200 crore gross mark, the state's support is as much an endorsement as it is an economic incentive. All eyes are now on whether more states follow Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh in extending similar benefits to the film.