Pratik Gandhi’s Phule Faces Delay Due to Caste Dispute

The release of Phule, a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, has been delayed by two weeks due to objections from some Brahmin groups in Maharashtra. They claim the film misrepresents their community, prompting the filmmakers to address the controversy and concerns over its portrayal of caste issues.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has instructed the creators of the film to make multiple modifications before its release. Among the key changes is the elimination of a voiceover that discusses the caste system. The board has also directed the removal of specific terms like "Mahar", "Mang", "Peshwai", and "Manu system of caste". In addition, certain dialogues have been flagged and are required to be modified as part of the certification process.

For example, the visual of 'man carrying a broom' has been asked to be replaced with 'boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitri Bai'. They have asked to replace/modify the dialogue 'Jahan kshudro ko......jhadu bandhkar chalna chahiye' to 'Kya yahi hamari..... sabse doori banake rakhni chahiye' and '3000 saal puraani.....gulaami' to 'Kai sal purani hai'.

Director Ananth Mahadevan has been receiving several letters from Brahmin community members voicing their apprehensions about the film. Speaking to Mid-Day, Mahadevan stated, “There is some misunderstanding after the trailer was launched. We want to clear those doubts so that there is no hassle in viewership.” Co-written by Mahadevan and Muazzam Beg, the film sheds light on the pivotal role Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule played in challenging caste-based discrimination and advocating for women’s education during the 19th century.

The release of Phule has been postponed amid controversy over caste representation. Director Ananth Maadevan addressed concerns raised by Brahmin groups, clarifying the film is fact-based and not agenda-driven. Though initially cleared with a U certificate, the CBFC later demanded edits, including the removal of certain caste-related terms and voiceovers. The filmmakers have submitted documents to support the film’s historical accuracy.