Hanuman Ansh: Redefining the reach of Indian cinema.

Kunal Kemmu on the rise of “pan-international” films and the hope they bring.

Actor-director Kunal Kemmu believes Hanuman Ansh’s success signals a shift in how films are perceived and labelled. While the industry often uses the term “pan-India” to describe movies that perform strongly across domestic territories, Kemmu feels the Vishal Chaturvedi-directed spiritual drama has gone far beyond that definition. With global collections crossing ₹423 crore, he calls it a “pan-international” phenomenon, proving that authentic storytelling can resonate across borders.

Kemmu explained that the “pan-India” tag is largely a trade term tied to box office numbers rather than creative merit. For him, the real achievement lies in films that connect with audiences without relying on formulaic structures. Hanuman Ansh, based on the life of Neem Karoli Baba, began with a modest opening but grew into a sleeper hit, sustaining strong viewership even in its eighth week. He says its journey shows that cinema rooted in content can thrive despite conventional industry expectations.

The actor-director also reflected on his own project, Vibe, which released in September. Starring Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir, the action-comedy follows two friends caught in a dangerous mission. Though smaller in scale, Vibe has earned over ₹20 crore worldwide, reinforcing Kemmu’s belief that audiences are open to diverse narratives. He emphasized that such successes give filmmakers confidence to keep experimenting, despite the uncertainties of the profession.

Kemmu was careful not to dismiss mainstream filmmaking, acknowledging that formula-driven projects also have their place. However, he stressed the importance of leaving space for unconventional stories. “An artist’s journey is filled with heartbreaks and surprises, but when films succeed purely on content, it inspires us to keep going,” he said.

Ultimately, Kemmu views the “pan-India” label as a business descriptor rather than a creative benchmark. He believes Hanuman Ansh’s triumph shows cinema can transcend geographical boundaries and become truly global when audiences connect with its essence. For artists, this is both heartening and motivating- a reminder that authentic storytelling can travel farther than trade labels ever anticipate.