Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 20: Renowned lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir Shukla has sharply criticized filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, accusing him of making casteist remarks and targeting the Brahmin community, following controversy surrounding Kashyap’s upcoming film Phule, based on social reformer Jyotirao Phule.
Taking to social media, Muntashir posted a video message on X, in which he issued a direct and scathing rebuke of Kashyap.
“If you have less income, then you have to control your expenses, and if you have less knowledge, then you have to control your words,” he said.
“Anurag Kashyap, you have less income and less knowledge, so control both.”
He further challenged the filmmaker to identify a Brahmin historical figure who deserved insult, naming a list of revered personalities such as Acharya Chanakya, Peshwa Bajirao, and Tansen.
“You don’t have enough water in your body to pollute the entire legacy of Brahmins,” he remarked.
Calling the Brahmins the “honour of India,” Muntashir condemned Kashyap’s alleged statements as divisive and heartless, adding:
“A Brahmin may forgive your heartless thoughts, but Hindu society will never forgive you for trying to divide the country.”
In a dramatic gesture, Muntashir also offered to arrange medical treatment for Kashyap, saying he would pray for his “sick mind”. The post was captioned:
“#AnuragKashyap ko meri khuli chetawani” (My open warning to Anurag Kashyap).
Legal Fallout and Apology
The controversy has now entered the legal domain. A police complaint was filed in Indore by one Anoop Shukla, accusing Kashyap of hurting the religious and social sentiments of the Brahmin community.
MG Road Police Station In-Charge Vijay Singh Sisodia confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Advocate Ashish Rai has also filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, calling Kashyap’s remarks hate speech and citing Supreme Court guidelines requiring prompt legal action.
“These statements are highly condemnable,” Rai stated.
Kashyap Responds
In response to the backlash, Kashyap issued a clarification on Friday night, stating that a line from his post had been taken out of context. While apologizing for the misinterpretation, he did not retract his original statement.
“This is my apology—not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred… So, if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology,” he wrote.
He also urged the Brahmin community to refrain from targeting his family, adding:
“Brahmins, please spare the women—even the scriptures teach this much decency.”
The row continues to ignite debates across social and political platforms, with both support and criticism pouring in for the parties involved.