Hanuman Ansh effect? Kainchi Dham sees massive devotee rush as Rs 423 crore movie's director urges caution

When cinema and faith crosses path, it usually created unexpected connections. One recent movie renewed attention to a spiritual figure, Neeb Karori Baba. The movie, Hanuman Ansh, has become a massive hit at the box office. One of the places associated to him is Kainchi Dham, in Uttarakhand. Now, viral social media videos claimed that larged crowds have gathered at Baba's ashram at Kainchi Dham, and the rush is being linked to the movie. The situation drew the attention of director of the movie Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, who stepped in with an earnest appeal for devotees.

Hanuman Ansh crosses Rs 423 crore worldwide

The reported rush comes as Hanuman Ansh continues its theatrical run. The film has collected Rs 383.56 crore in India in gross collections, while its India net collection stands at Rs 324.73 crore so far. Overseas, the film added Rs 0.20 crore on Day 59, taking its overseas gross collection to Rs 39.70 crore. Its worldwide gross has consequently reached Rs 423.26 crore.

Why devotees are heading to Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham, also known as Neem Karori Ashram, is a ashram and temple complex situated at Kainchi in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district in the Kumaon region. The spiritual centre is closely associated with Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neeb Karori Baba.


According to claims circulating through viral social media videos, the ashram witnessed a significant increase in visitors over the weekend. The timing also coincided with a long weekend, with the government holiday on October 2 followed by Saturday and Sunday, giving devotees three consecutive days off. The popularity of Hanuman Ansh has reportedly added another reason for people to visit the spiritual site, with some heading there to seek the blessings of Baba after watching the film.

Hanuman Ansh director urges visitors to be cautious

With reports of large crowds emerging, director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi asked devotees to check the situation before travelling to Kainchi Dham. On Sunday evening, Chaturvedi shared a video on Instagram addressing the reported rush. He said there was “bahut bheed” at Kainchi Dham and noted that many people were saying visitors had started heading there after watching Hanuman Ansh.

However, he also stressed that regardless of whether the film was responsible for the increase, people should first understand the situation at the site before making the journey. “Yadi aisa hai toh bhi aur yadi aisa nahi hai toh bhi,” Chaturvedi said, urging people to find out about the conditions at Kainchi Dham before visiting.

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A post shared by Dr Vishal Chaturvedi (@filmervishal)

‘Ensure the safety of women and children’

The director’s appeal was particularly focused on crowd-related difficulties. He warned that visitors should not put themselves or their families in situations where overcrowding could become dangerous. Chaturvedi suggested that devotees consider other places associated with Neem Karoli Baba if Kainchi Dham is experiencing extreme crowds and lengthy queues. He specifically mentioned Neem Karoli village and Vrindavan as alternative places of interest for those wanting to visit locations connected with Baba.

‘If there’s a huge crowd, you can go to these places’

In his appeal, Chaturvedi asked devotees to reconsider their plans if they found that Kainchi Dham had become excessively crowded. “Agar Kainchi Dham mein bahut bheed hai aur ghanton ki line lagi hai,” he said, devotees could visit other places instead. He also expressed concern about families becoming trapped in difficult conditions, requesting that the situation not reach a point where “bachche aur mahilayein” are struggling amid the crowd or people are stuck in traffic jams.