Building upon the phenomenal box office success of the biographical drama Hanuman Ansh, which chronicled the life of Neem Karoli Baba, filmmakers are now preparing to bring the story of another legendary and mysterious Indian saint, Devraha Baba, to the silver screen. Made on a modest budget of 2 crores, the devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has emerged as the most profitable film of the year 2026, amassing a staggering total collection of 451 crores at the box office. Buoyed by this massive triumph, the creators have now announced a new cinematic project titled Machan Baba, which will delve into the extraordinary life of Devraha Baba. The official poster for the film has already been unveiled, and the makers are currently gearing up for its theatrical release in the year 2027.
India has a rich historical lineage of accomplished spiritual yogis who not only lived extraordinarily long lives but also demonstrated numerous profound miracles. Among these remarkable figures, Devraha Baba holds a distinct place, largely defined by his iconic machan. The saint habitually lived on an elevated wooden and bamboo platform constructed several feet above the ground near riverbanks, imparting his blessings to devotees from that very height. According to accounts shared by his followers, Baba possessed various spiritual attainments and siddhis that enabled him to survive for prolonged periods without food or water while alleviating the sufferings of countless people. However, claims regarding his exact lifespan vary widely across different narratives. While some traditional stories suggest he lived for well over 500 years, other accounts estimate his age to be beyond 150 years. Despite these stories, there is no definitive historical proof available to accurately verify the exact number of years he lived.
Devraha Baba consistently resided on a tall wooden and bamboo structure that stood roughly 10 to 12 feet above the ground level. When people inquired about this peculiar habit, he explained that yogis should always maintain a distance of at least four cubits above stone, fire, and water. Ancient yogic texts also indicate that a practitioner's spiritual energy can be influenced by direct and continuous contact with the ground, which explains why the saint chose to remain on his elevated perch. His unique dwelling style became a central part of his identity and spiritual legacy.
From King George V to Rajiv Gandhi
The spiritual influence and aura of Devraha Baba attracted a wide array of visitors, ranging from ordinary pilgrims to some of the most prominent political figures and monarchs in history. Numerous historical anecdotes document his interactions with influential personalities across different eras. Records indicate that British monarch King George V met with Devraha Baba in the year 1911. In later years, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the saint to seek his blessings. Furthermore, Rajiv Gandhi also met with Devraha Baba in 1989, just prior to the Ram Mandir groundbreaking ceremony.
Who is producing Machan Baba on Devraha Baba?
The upcoming film Machan Baba, based on the life of Devraha Baba, is being produced by Poonam Gupta OBE, a UK-based entrepreneur of Indian origin, alongside US-based businessman Vikalp Paliwal. The movie is being backed under the banner of Ojas Films. The creators have noted that Machan Baba will not solely focus on the miracles associated with the saint, but will also provide audiences with a comprehensive look into the faith, politics, mysteries, and history surrounding Devraha Baba.
