Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has taken a strong stand against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and certain groups within the Brahmin community amid the growing controversy around Phule, the upcoming biopic on iconic social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule.
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan and featuring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in lead roles, the film was initially slated for an April 11 release. However, due to mounting backlash, the makers have now pushed the release date to April 25.
Anurag Kashyap On Phule Controversy
Anurag Kashyap has strongly criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a section of the Brahmin community amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Phule, the biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, the film was originally set for release on April 11 but has now been postponed to April 25 following backlash.
Kashyap took to Instagram to express his frustration. Slamming the CBFC’s decisions and what he described as a deeply flawed system, he wrote: “Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, Phule — I don’t know how many other films are blocked… this casteist, regionalist, racist government is so ashamed to see their own face in the mirror,” he wrote. “They can’t even openly say what bothers them. F**ing cowards.”*
Brahmin Backlash On Phule Movie
Despite being granted a ‘U’ certificate by the CBFC on April 7, the film was subjected to several mandated edits. These included the removal of caste-specific references like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, and ‘Peshwai’, as well as the modification of the phrase “3,000 saal purani ghulami” to “kai saal purani ghulami.” Director Ananth Mahadevan confirmed that all the suggested changes were made.
Read More: Brahmins Protest Against Biopic On Jyotiba Phule And Savitribai Phule: Film Postponed
