Uttarakhand makes ‘Hanuman Ansh’ tax-free, reimbursing SGST on cinema tickets

Uttarakhand will reimburse SGST on cinema and multiplex tickets for the Baba Neem Karoli-based film ‘Hanuman Ansh’. The tax exemption is expected to lower ticket prices and support theatrical attendance for the low-budget release.

— Source publishedWed, 16 Sept, 2026, 11:33 IST·First seen Wed, 16 Sept, 2026, 12:14 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Uttarakhand has made Baba Neem Karoli-based film Hanuman Ansh tax-free, with the state reimbursing SGST on cinema and multiplex tickets. The move lowers ticket

Key facts

  • Film budget: approximately Rs 2 crore
  • Referenced film budgets: approximately Rs 50 crore to Rs 250 crore
  • Referenced box-office figures: Rs 400-500 crore and Rs 1,000-2,000 crore

What changed

Uttarakhand has made Baba Neem Karoli-based film Hanuman Ansh tax-free, with the state reimbursing SGST on cinema and multiplex tickets. The move lowers ticket costs and may support theatrical attendance for the low-budget film.

Why this matters

Uttarakhand cinemas can use the SGST reimbursement to promote lower-priced ‘Hanuman Ansh’ screenings and test whether tax-led discounts convert into incremental footfall.

What to watch

  • Published cinema ticket prices before and after reimbursement, including convenience and booking fees.
  • Opening-week occupancy, screen count, showtime allocation, and weekday hold in Uttarakhand.
  • State-government clarification on reimbursement eligibility, duration, claim process, and whether exhibitors must pass savings to patrons.
  • Social-media traction, devotional-community endorsements, and regional press coverage tied to Baba Neem Karoli.
  • Comparable ticket sales in neighboring states without the SGST reimbursement.