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Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s film, Phule, has been postponed due to controversies and CBFC edits. The film faced backlash from the Brahmin community.
The release date of Phule has been postponed.
Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s upcoming film, Phule, has been postponed owing to multiple controversies. Reportedly, the film has upset the Brahmin community, alleging it promotes casteism. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers to make multiple edits to the film before release. Phule will now be released after two weeks – April 25, 2025, instead of April 11, 2025.
The Brahmin Federation President Anand Dave watched the trailer of Phule and claimed that it promotes casteism. He also demanded that the contribution of the ‘black Brahmin’ community in aiding the Phules should be acknowledged. Amid the controversy, former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal met director Ananth Mahadevan and the producers to address the controversy.
Amid this, the CBFC has asked the makers to incorporate multiple changes to the film, including the removal of a voiceover referencing the caste system. They have also called for the exclusion of terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, and the ‘Manus system of caste’. Apart from this, they have altered certain dialogues to ensure its appropriate for the audience.
Meanwhile, Ananth Mahadevan spoke to and addressed the ongoing controversy. He said, “I only wish to clear these little cobwebs in their mind. It has stemmed from judging the trailer, which isn’t the right way to judge a film in its entirety. Somewhere, everyone realises that these social ills haven’t been solved yet. Although we’ve educated women now and the woman is an independent entity by herself today, even in the smaller areas and mofussil towns, we’ve gender and caste discrimination.”
Pratik Gandhi, too, spoke to us before the Phule controversy gained momentum. He had clearly mentioned that he wasn’t worried for the film. “That way, I’m in a very safe space and very confident about this”, he had exclusively told . Addressing concerns over potential backlash or criticism, he added, “It is very difficult these days. Anybody gets offended with any damn thing. You can never guess in today’s time, especially in the age of social media. People have the power to do anything and to say anything and the power is being largely misused. Being fearless is the only answer to this.”
Phule is based on the life of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, who worked tirelessly towards promoting equality and education as a birthright. The film stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule, also known as Mahatma Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. The film is directed by Ananth Mahadevan.
