The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers of Phule, a biopic on social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, to remove certain caste-related terms after receiving objections from Brahmin community groups.
The upcoming biopic Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and featuring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in lead roles, has pushed its release date from April 11 to April 21, 2025. The original release was planned to coincide with Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s birth anniversary.
Ananth Mahadevan’s Phule: Biopic Of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule
The biopic Phule, which explores the lives and legacy of social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, has sparked intense debate ahead of its release. The controversy, centered around the film’s portrayal of caste dynamics, has led to rising tensions on social media and among community organizations.
With the caste-based narrative at the heart of the story, Phule has drawn both praise for its bold storytelling and criticism for alleged historical imbalance. The situation escalated when Brahmin groups claimed the film promotes a one-sided view of caste history, prompting swift action from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
However, after facing backlash from Brahmin community groups, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stepped in, asking the filmmakers to remove certain caste-related references. Words like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, and ‘Manu’s caste system’ have been flagged as sensitive and ordered to be removed.
Phule In Trouble
The controversy erupted after the Brahmin Federation, led by President Anand Dave, claimed the film promotes caste-based discrimination and paints Brahmins in a negative light. Anand Dave, President of the Brahmin Federation, claimed that while the film sheds light on caste-based discrimination, it overlooks the role of progressive Brahmins who stood by Mahatma Phule and supported his social reform movement. “The story is one-sided. We are not against showing the truth, but it should be inclusive. The film could stoke caste-based tensions,” he said.
Director Ananth Mahadevan has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Phule, defending the film’s narrative. He stated that the biopic was created after thorough research, drawing from various historical texts and books. Mahadevan emphasized that while some cinematic liberties were taken, as is common in filmmaking, the story remains rooted in authentic historical facts.
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