Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 24: The trailer for Phule, a biographical drama based on the life of renowned social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, was recently released. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film features Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule.
The film sheds light on the pair’s relentless fight to challenge the entrenched social norms of their time, particularly in their efforts to uplift women, widows, and Dalits. Set to be released on April 11, 2025, the film coincides with the birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule and aims to highlight his pivotal role in promoting social justice, women’s emancipation, and battling caste oppression.
Pratik Gandhi, reflecting on his role as Jyotirao Phule, shared in a press note, “I am fortunate that I got to live the life of the legendary Mahatma, on screen. I could feel the immense struggle and opposition that he endured as he along with his wife, dismantled an age-old societal system designed to oppress those at the lowest rungs of the social hierarchy.”
Patralekhaa, who plays Savitribai Phule, expressed her admiration for the social reformer, saying, “Alongside Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai laid the very foundation for modern education and social equality in India. She brought in a significant change for the girl child in our country but her story is not told enough. I am glad Anant sir decided to make a film on their life and I got to play her.”
Director Ananth Mahadevan emphasized the importance of the film, stating, “These stories that are lost somewhere in history, need to be told to the young generation. Imagine two people decided to change the world for the better, in spite of the immense opposition that they had to face. Their story is truly inspiring.”
Produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, Phule will be released theatrically on April 11, 2025, by Zee Studios.