Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17 : Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has voiced strong criticism over the censorship and release delays surrounding Phule, a biographical drama directed by Ananth Mahadevan. The film, starring Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule, was originally scheduled for release on April 11—coinciding with Phule’s birth anniversary—but faced postponement due to objections raised by a section of the Brahmin community.
Taking to Instagram, Kashyap expressed his frustration and questioned the denial of casteism in India. “Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi…” (“Brother, let’s decide together. Does casteism exist in India or not?”), he wrote.
The Gangs of Wasseypur director believes Phule is among several films that are being suppressed for exploring uncomfortable truths. He referenced other delayed or censored projects such as Punjab 95, Tees, and Dhadak 2, alleging a pattern of targeting films that confront social realities.
Drawing from personal experience, Kashyap recalled his debut theatre production which also focused on Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. He questioned why a community would take offense if casteism truly no longer existed in India, as claimed by some political leaders. “If casteism didn’t exist in this country, why would they have needed to fight against it?” he asked.
Kashyap also raised concerns over how members of the community gained access to the film prior to its official release and criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its opaque decision-making. He pointed out the board’s failure to clarify what exactly prompted their objections and the demanded cuts.
Phule is now slated to release on April 25 after complying with the CBFC’s required edits. However, the censorship has sparked backlash from several quarters. Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi, staged a protest in Pune, warning that the removal of key scenes would dilute the core message of the film. “If those scenes are removed from Phule, the purpose of the film is lost,” he stated.
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, Phule centers on the revolutionary journey of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule in their fight against caste-based discrimination and gender inequality—making it both a tribute and a powerful social commentary.