The much-anticipated release of Phule, the biographical film directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has been postponed by two weeks from its original April 11 release date. The film, which narrates the inspiring lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, has run into controversy over its depiction of the caste system in 19th-century India.
The delay comes after several Brahmin organisations in Maharashtra, including the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, raised strong objections, alleging that the film portrays their community in a defamatory light.
“There is some misunderstanding after the trailer was launched. We want to clear those doubts so that there is no hassle in viewership,” director Ananth Mahadevan told Mid-Day, emphasizing that the film is not agenda-driven but based on verified historical facts.
Watch Phule trailer here:
CBFC Demands Major Changes, Voiceovers and Dialogues Modified
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had initially cleared Phule with a U certificate, later issued fresh directives asking the filmmakers to make multiple changes.
These include removal of a voiceover discussing the caste system, elimination of terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, and ‘Manu system of caste’, alteration of dialogues, including changing, “Jahan kshudro ko…jhadu bandhkar chalna chahiye” to “Kya yahi hamari…sabse doori banake rakhni chahiye”, “3000 saal puraani…gulaami” to “Kai saal purani hai”.
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Visual change: Replacing a scene showing a man carrying a broom with boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitribai Phule.
These modifications were requested to avoid stoking communal or caste tensions, especially after backlash from sections of the Brahmin community.
Director Engages with Critics to Clarify Intentions
Ananth Mahadevan, who co-wrote the film with Muazzam Beg, has proactively engaged with critics from the Brahmin community. He clarified that the narrative also includes Brahmins who supported Jyotirao Phule, particularly in establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj and 20 schools for lower-caste students.
“We’ve met with various groups and shown them how even within the Brahmin community, there were reformers who stood with the Phules. The film is meant to educate and celebrate change, not provoke,” Mahadevan added.
The makers have also submitted documented evidence supporting the historical claims presented in the movie to reinforce their commitment to factual storytelling.
About ‘Phule’
Phule chronicles the life and activism of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, pioneers in India’s social reform movement who challenged entrenched caste and gender discrimination. Their legacy includes founding India’s first girls’ school and the anti-caste Satyashodhak Samaj.
The film promises to bring their revolutionary contributions to the big screen and spark dialogue on equality, education, and justice — themes that remain relevant in contemporary India.
Phule Release Date
While the producers have not officially announced the revised release date, industry insiders confirm it will likely hit theatres by the end of April 2025 after incorporating the CBFC-mandated edits.
