Dhirendra Mulkalwar: ‘Perhaps Babaji himself decided’: ‘Hanuman Ansh’ composer Dhirendra Mulkalwar reveals why Neem Karoli Baba’s story made his debut special after 20 years of struggle | Hindi Movie News
For nearly two decades, Dhirendra Mulkalwar worked largely away from the spotlight, building his career through independent projects, jingles and music production. He served as a music producer on films including ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ and ‘Article 15’, gaining experience on major productions while waiting for an opportunity to independently compose an entire feature film.That opportunity eventually arrived with ‘Hanuman Ansh’, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi and based on the spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba. For Dhirendra, the project was more than just his first solo credit as a film composer. It also carried a deeply personal significance, as he believes his journey as an independent composer began with a film about the spiritual figure who has been central to his faith.
Dhirendra Mulkalwar on making the transition to films
Despite years of experience in music production, moving from shorter formats such as advertising to independently scoring a feature film proved challenging for Dhirendra. He told News18 that people often questioned whether someone accustomed to shorter projects could handle the scale and demands of a full-length film.“When you have been working in shorter formats, such as advertisements, and then try to cross over into films, people often wonder whether you will be able to handle a project of that scale,” he said.His previous work as a music producer on films such as ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ and ‘Article 15’ gave him an understanding of large-scale productions. However, the role did not necessarily place him directly in the composer-filmmaker equation.
Dhirendra waited years for his big break
The road to his first independent feature as a composer was far from straightforward. Over the years, Dhirendra signed on for several projects that eventually fell through. In some cases, he was dropped from films altogether, while other projects did not progress beyond a certain stage. Even when a director wanted to work with him, producers sometimes made a different decision based on commercial or other considerations. As a result, his long-awaited opportunity to take complete creative charge of a film’s music remained elusive. That changed with ‘Hanuman Ansh’For Dhirendra, the fact that his first independent feature was a story centred on Neem Karoli Baba made the opportunity feel almost destined.“But eventually, as I said, perhaps Babaji himself decided that my journey as an independent film composer should begin with a film about him,” Dhirendra said.
‘Hanuman Ansh’ success made the milestone even more special
The significance of the film was further amplified by its commercial reception. After spending years waiting for his opportunity, Dhirendra saw his debut as an independent composer connect with audiences.“For my very first film as an independent composer to become such a major commercial success gives me immense happiness,” he said.
About ‘Hanuman Ansh’
Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, ‘Hanuman Ansh’ was released on August 7 and follows the spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba. The film’s ending also leaves the door open for the story to continue. The next chapter is expected to explore Baba’s roots in Firozabad, his birthplace, before moving through Agra, Mathura and other places associated with his spiritual journey.
