The release of Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s history-based film Phule, a biopic on social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, has been postponed, just a day before it was scheduled to hit the big screens. Directed by Anant Mahadevan, Phule has been embroiled in a controversy as several Brahmin community associations objected a few scenes in the film.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has instructed the makers of Phule to remove several caste-related references after objections from Brahmin groups.
The makers had decided to release the film on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule, April 11, however, the release has been pushed to April 21 amid controversy.
CBFC demands the following changes:
The CBFC has ordered the removal of terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshvai’, and ‘Manu’s system of caste’, citing them as ‘sensitive’.
The Censor Board has also asked the makers to remove voiceover discussing the caste system. Along with these changes, certain dialogues have been altered to ensure they are appropriate for all audiences.
The decision follows complaints from the Brahmin Federation, led by President Anand Dave, who alleged that the film promotes casteism and presents Brahmins in a negative manner.
He contended that while the film sheds light on caste-based discrimination, it overlooks the role of Brahmins who supported Mahatma Phule’s 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 Anant Mahadevan reacts
Reacting to the controversy, Anant told News18, “I’m a Brahmin myself. Naturally, I will first ask myself if I’m doing the right thing if I have to make a movie about caste differences. I wouldn’t be letting the world’s Brahmins come and question me and cast doubt on my motives. They should be aware that you are not allowed to question the patient’s treating physician. The doctor would care about his patients’ well-being.”
He added, “All I want to do is get rid of these tiny mental cobwebs. It resulted from evaluating the trailer, which isn’t the proper method for evaluating a full-length movie.”
Jitendra Awhad reacts to objections
NCP (SP) MLA and former minister Jitendra Awhad defended what was originally shown in Phule and pushed back against the censorship demands. He took to social media to state that those who supported the Phules should also be mentioned, but insists that removing crucial facts, like the existence and impact of caste-based discrimination, would undermine the very purpose of making a historical biopic.
“History cannot be erased, it can only be learned from. Whatever is shown in the movie Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is a historical truth – truth cannot be denied or altered. Among the social reformers of this country, the names of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule stand at the forefront. What is true must be shown,” he wrote.
महात्मा ज्योतीबा फुले ह्यांच्या वरील चित्रपटात बदल सुचवले आहेत
का व कश्यासाठी
जे सत्य आहे ते जगा समोर आले पाहिजे pic.twitter.com/WHNpxxHWnc
— Dr.Jitendra Awhad (@Awhadspeaks) April 9, 2025
महात्मा जोतिराव फुले या सिनेमात जे काही दाखविले जात आहे; ते ऐतिहासिक सत्य आहे, ते नाकारून सत्य बदलता येणार नाही. या देशात जे समाजसुधारक झाले, त्यामध्ये महात्मा फुले आणि सावित्रीमाई फुले या दाम्पत्याचे नाव अग्रस्थानी आहे. जे सत्य आहे ते दाखवावेच लागेल. चित्रपटातून सत्य वगळण्यात…
— Dr.Jitendra Awhad (@Awhadspeaks) April 8, 2025
Phule is a powerful biopic which unveils the untold story of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, the visionary reformers who fought for girls’ education, the rights of the oppressed, and widows.
