Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] : Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has extended strong support to the biographical film Phule during a special screening held in Mumbai on May 1, 2025. The film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, pays tribute to the groundbreaking social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who championed the fight against caste and gender discrimination in 19th-century India.
Athawale, known for his advocacy on social justice, praised the film’s powerful message and urged that it be made tax-free across the country. He further recommended that Phule be shown to all Parliamentarians and even to President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting the film’s educational value.
“This movie is a good attempt to highlight the contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. It should be watched by everyone, especially our lawmakers, to understand the social issues it addresses,” Athawale stated, underscoring the enduring relevance of the Phules’ reforms in contemporary India.
Starring Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule, the film was released on April 25, 2025. Despite facing some opposition over its depiction of caste-based issues, it has been lauded for its commitment to historical accuracy and social impact.
Director Ananth Mahadevan expressed gratitude for Athawale’s endorsement, saying, “The film is true to history, and we have made it with all our heart. I am as happy as I am grateful to him for his wholehearted support for the film.”
Produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, and distributed by Zee Studios, Phule also features Vinay Pathak, Suresh Vishwakarma, and Darsheel Safary in supporting roles.