Rashid Alvi Hanuman Ansh: Strong Political Criticism

Congress leader Rashid Alvi on September 6, 2026, criticised the alleged use of religion in politics and made comments about the spiritual film Hanuman Ansh. According to an IANS report, Alvi alleged that films such as Hanuman Ansh were being made to influence people’s thinking through religious sentiments and use faith for political gains.

Rashid Alvi’s criticism of Hanuman Ansh

Speaking about Hanuman Ansh, Rashid Alvi alleged that films based on religious themes could influence public opinion and contribute to the use of religious sentiments for political purposes. His remarks came as the film was attracting considerable attention following its strong performance at the Indian box office.

Hanuman Ansh is a spiritual drama written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi. The film is based on the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj Ji. Shobhinaw Satyaa plays the central role in the film.

Alvi’s remarks were part of wider criticism directed at the BJP over what he described as the use of religion as a political tool. His comments represent his political allegation and do not establish that the filmmakers made the movie for electoral purposes.

Hanuman Ansh becomes a box-office success

The comments have come at a time when Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of the biggest surprise successes of 2026. The film was reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 2 crore and initially had a modest opening before gaining momentum through word of mouth.

By September 10, reports placed the film’s domestic net collection above Rs 150 crore. Economic Times reported that the movie had reached Rs 153.13 crore net in India, while its domestic gross stood at Rs 180.95 crore.

The film’s performance has also attracted attention because of the contrast between its relatively small reported budget and its theatrical earnings.

Alvi links religion with political debate

In the same set of remarks, Alvi accused the BJP of using religion to influence people’s minds and secure votes. He also criticised the demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate campus in Uttar Pradesh.

Alvi’s comments therefore placed Hanuman Ansh within a broader political debate over the role of religion and faith in public life. His remarks were directed at what he described as a wider political strategy rather than being limited to the film’s commercial performance.

Film’s growing public attention

Hanuman Ansh has continued to generate interest beyond its box-office performance. The film team also met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow following the movie’s strong theatrical run. Reports said the film had reached Rs 142.88 crore in domestic net earnings and Rs 168.85 crore in India gross collections around its 33rd day.

The film’s success has consequently brought renewed attention to its religious subject matter, its low-budget production and the political discussion surrounding religious themes in Indian cinema.