Neem Karoli Baba, one of India’s most beloved spiritual saints, finally gets a cinematic tribute worthy of his extraordinary legacy. Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj arrives in theatres on 29 May 2026, bringing to life the miraculous, compassion-filled journey of Lakshman Narayan Sharma — the saint who transformed countless lives through unconditional love, unwavering faith, and divine grace. Directed by Sharadsingh Thakur and written alongside Kavita Raizada, this Hindi biographical drama runs 2 hours 25 minutes and is a heartfelt offering to devotees and spiritual seekers alike. Whether you are familiar with Kainchi Dham or encountering Maharaj Ji’s story for the first time, this film delivers a moving, faith-affirming experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj is a sincerely crafted devotional biopic about the life and miracles of Neem Karoli Baba. Led by a commanding performance from Subodh Bhave and supported by a strong ensemble cast, the film beautifully balances spiritualism with humanity. It is a must-watch for devotees of Maharaj Ji and anyone drawn to stories of faith, grace, and divine love.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Sharadsingh Thakur |
| Writers | Kavita Raizada, Sharadsingh Thakur |
| Baba Maharaj (Later Years) | Subodh Bhave |
| Young Baba Maharaj | Mohit Gupta |
| Siddhi Maa | Samiksha Bhatnagar |
| Kamala Mukherjee (Kamala Didi) | Smita Tambe |
| Bhakti Maa | Varsha Manikchand Shrivastav |
| Raboo Dada | Hiten Tejwani |
| Dada Mukherjee | Rajesh Sharma |
| Jeevan Dada | Aniruddh Dave |
| Durga Prasad Sharma (Maharaj’s Father) | Milind Gunaji |
| Poornanand Tiwari | Hemant Pandey |
| Raboo Dada’s Mother | Aartii Naagpal |
| Bhuwan Mungali | Mahesh Shetty |
| Riyasat | Javed Hyder |
| Gopal | Gauri Shankar |
| Choti Maa | Hardeep Kaur |
| Vinod Joshi | Shyam Lal |
| Baba Ji’s Stepmother | Garima Agarwal |
| Language | Hindi |
| Runtime | 2 hrs 25 mins |
| Genre | Biography, Drama |
| Release Date | 29 May 2026 |
| Certificate | UA |
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the life of Lakshman Narayan Sharma, born in 1900 into a wealthy zamindar family, who embarked on a path of spiritual awakening to become one of India’s most revered saints — Neem Karoli Baba, or Maharaj Ji. The narrative traces his transformation from a young wandering sadhu to the founder of the iconic Kainchi Dham ashram in Uttarakhand. Through a series of anecdotes, the film illuminates the miracles he performed — healing the sick, feeding countless devotees, and spreading the eternal message of Ram Naam and unconditional love. The story unfolds across time, weaving between his formative early years and his later life as a spiritual beacon for devotees from all walks of life.
Also Read: The Great Grand Superhero Review: Jackie Shroff’s Desi Superhero Saga Is Pure Heart and Chaos
Performances
Subodh Bhave carries the film on his shoulders with extraordinary grace. Portraying Maharaj Ji in his later years, Bhave brings a rare combination of divinity and warmth to every scene — whether he is guiding a struggling devotee or simply radiating quiet compassion. His performance is the soul of the film and is deeply convincing throughout.
Mohit Gupta as the younger Baba Maharaj holds his own admirably, capturing the restless, seeking spirit of a young man on the cusp of spiritual transformation. His portrayal complements Bhave’s and gives the narrative a layered continuity.
Smita Tambe as Kamala Didi (Kamala Mukherjee) brings tenderness and devotion to her role, anchoring the emotional opening of the film and serving as a sincere window into the believer’s heart.
Samiksha Bhatnagar as Siddhi Maa delivers a serene and dignified performance, exuding the quiet strength of a devoted disciple who served Maharaj Ji faithfully.
Varsha Manikchand Shrivastav as Bhakti Maa is warm and authentic, lending the ensemble its spiritual depth through her gentle, lived-in portrayal.
Hiten Tejwani as Raboo Dada is a pleasure to watch — natural, grounded, and emotionally present in every scene he inhabits.
Rajesh Sharma as Dada Mukherjee delivers a nuanced and thoughtful performance, and the scenes exploring his relationship with Maharaj Ji are among the film’s most touching.
Aniruddh Dave as Jeevan Dada brings quiet energy and sincerity, contributing meaningfully to the film’s devotional atmosphere.
Milind Gunaji as Durga Prasad Sharma, Maharaj Ji’s zamindar father, commands the screen with authority and dignified restraint, making a strong impression in his portion of the film.
Hemant Pandey as Poornanand Tiwari, Aartii Naagpal as Raboo Dada’s mother, Mahesh Shetty as Bhuwan Mungali, Javed Hyder as Riyasat, Gauri Shankar as Gopal, Hardeep Kaur as Choti Maa, Shyam Lal as Vinod Joshi, and Garima Agarwal as Baba Ji’s stepmother — each of these actors enriches the film’s tapestry with committed, heartfelt portrayals that make the world of the film feel authentic and alive.
Technical Craft
Director Sharadsingh Thakur brings genuine reverence and sincerity to this ambitious project, managing to mount the biopic on a grand scale. The production design evokes the period with care, and the film’s AI-generated visuals — particularly the awe-inspiring Shiva-in-meditation sequence — are a visual highlight that adds a mythic dimension to the storytelling. The screenplay by Thakur and Kavita Raizada captures the spirit of Maharaj Ji’s teachings with sensitivity, keeping the tone spiritual without veering into preachiness. The non-linear narrative structure, while ambitious, occasionally creates chronological challenges for the viewer, and tighter editing in the second half would have elevated the film’s overall pace significantly.
Also Read: Karakkam Movie Review: Sreenath Bhasi’s Hilarious Yet Heartfelt Horror Comedy Is a Must-Watch
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Subodh Bhave’s commanding, deeply felt central performance
- Heartfelt and non-preachy treatment of spirituality and faith
- Grand production scale with impressive visual set pieces, including the AI-generated Shiva sequence
- Warm, humanising moments that make Maharaj Ji’s personality accessible and relatable
- Strong ensemble cast that collectively honours the world of devotees around the saint
Weaknesses
- Non-linear narrative structure occasionally disrupts chronological clarity
- The second half pacing slows and certain scenes could benefit from tighter editing
- The episodic, anecdote-driven format can feel repetitive in stretches
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 / 5
Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj is a devotional labour of love — a film made with deep sincerity and reverence for one of India’s most extraordinary spiritual figures. Subodh Bhave’s magnetic central performance, supported by a committed ensemble and impressive production values, makes this a deeply moving cinematic experience. While the non-linear storytelling and occasional pacing issues in the second half hold it back from perfection, the film’s heart is always in the right place. For those drawn to the world of faith, miracles, and spiritual surrender — and especially for the millions who hold Neem Karoli Baba dear — this is an unmissable tribute. Jai Maharaj Ji.
What is the age rating of Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj?
The film carries a UA certificate, meaning it is suitable for general audiences with parental guidance recommended for younger children.
Can we watch Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj with kids?
Yes, Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj is a family-friendly devotional biopic.
Is Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the real life of Lakshman Narayan Sharma, better known as Neem Karoli Baba or Maharaj Ji.
