Pratik Gandhi’s Phule release postponed the dispute over caste representation
Anant Mahadevan’s film Phule’s release has delayed the concerns of the Brahmin community about his representation in the film. The CBFC has requested several editing, including the removal of caste-related references, before approving the film for release.
The release of Anant Mahadevan’s directorial film ‘Phule’, which was scheduled to hit theaters on April 11, has been postponed for two weeks. The upcoming Hindi has been entangled in controversy. PHULE, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patilekha, fought against the 19th century India against caste and gender injustice, which tells the story of social reformers Jyotiro Phule and Savitribai Phule.
According to reports, the film will now be released on 25 April. Members of the Brahmin community expressed concern about his representation in the film. Brahmin organizations in Maharashtra have objected to the film, claiming that it discredits their community.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the film’s makers to include several changes, including removing the voiceover discussing the caste system. He has also demanded the removal of terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mangal’, ‘Peshwai’, and ‘Manus System of Cast’, which are considered sensitive. Additionally, some dialogues have been replaced to ensure that they are suitable for all the audience.
Director Anant Mahadevan has received several letters from Brahmin communities, which express their concerns. In an interview with Mid -dayMahadevan said, “There is some misunderstanding after the trailer starts. We want to clean the doubts so that there is no problem in the number of spectators.” The film, written by Mahadevan and Muzam Baig, highlighted Jyotiro Phule and Savitribai Phule’s efforts in fighting casteism in the 19th century and promoting women’s education.
The All India Brahmin Samaj and Parashuram Aratic Development Mahamandal are among the organizations that have given voice to their concerns. Mahadevan mentioned that he met representatives of the Brahmin community to convince how some Brahmins supported Jyotiro Phule’s initiative, such as establishing 20 schools and Satyashodhak Samaj. He assured that the film is not an agenda-driven and only presents the facts.
Initially, the censor board approved the film with a U certificate before making calls for these re-edits. The filmmakers have also presented appropriate documents supporting the historical claims made in the film.
