Devotional Movies Are Back In Bollywood: How Hanuman Ansh, Narsimha And Krishna Are Winning Audiences

Mumbai: Bollywood may have found an unexpected box-office formula in 2026 devotion, mythology and a good story. Films based on Indian gods, spiritual figures and ancient legends are once again finding a place in theatres, and the biggest surprise of the current wave is Hanuman Ansh.

Made on a reported budget of around rs 2 crore, Hanuman Ansh has turned into a remarkable box-office success. The film has reportedly collected rs 142.88 crore net and rs 168.85 crore gross in India in 33 days, making its journey particularly impressive considering its modest budget.

What makes the film’s success even more interesting is that it did not arrive with the kind of massive publicity normally associated with a Bollywood hit. Instead, positive word of mouth appears to have played a major role in bringing audiences to theatres.

The film is directed by Vishal Chaturvedi and stars Shobhinaw Satyaa. Based on the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, Hanuman Ansh has connected with viewers looking for a film that combines spirituality with an emotional cinematic experience.

But Hanuman Ansh is not the only sign that mythological movies are making a comeback.

Mahavatar Narsimha had already shown the commercial potential of mythology driven cinema. The animated film became a major theatrical success in 2025, crossing rs 100 crore in India and eventually earning more than rs 300 crore worldwide.

Now, Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) has added another name to the growing list. The film brings the story of Lord Krishna to the big screen with a contemporary treatment, showing how filmmakers are attempting to present familiar religious stories in a format that can appeal to today’s audiences.

So, why are devotional films suddenly attracting attention?

One reason could be changing audience tastes. Younger viewers are increasingly showing interest in Indian mythology, spirituality and cultural stories, provided they are presented with strong visuals, emotion and engaging storytelling. For many filmmakers, mythology also offers stories that already have a deep connection with audiences.

This does not necessarily mean Bollywood is entering a permanent devotional film era. Indian cinema has seen similar phases before. But the latest successes suggest that mythology is no longer being treated as an old-fashioned theatrical genre.

With more ambitious mythological projects on the way, including major productions based on the Ramayana, the real test will be whether filmmakers can continue to turn familiar stories into fresh cinematic experiences.

For now, one thing is clear devotional cinema is back in the spotlight, and audiences are watching.

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