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Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s upcoming film Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, has been postponed to April 25. It is due to ongoing controversies and required edits by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film depicts the lives of reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and has encountered criticism from certain factions of the Brahmin community. They claim it promotes caste-based narratives and CBFC requested several changes to the film before granting it clearance for release, leading to the new release date. Pratik Gandhi in a recent interview revealed being shocked about Phule’s controversy and urged the Brahim community to watch it before forming opinions.
Pratik Gandhi Reacts To Brahmin Community’s Outrage On Phule Controversy
The actor expressed his disappointment over the delay. He had hoped Phule would premiere on April 11 to honour the 197th birth anniversary of the revered social reformer Jyotirao Phule. The actor, in an interview with PTI, said, “I was shooting somewhere when I came to know that it (the film) is pushed by two weeks. I was disheartened immediately. But then I spoke to them (makers) and I got to know the reasons… These are the reasons over which you don’t have any control…”
Pratik added, “I was surprised by the reaction, but I can also understand where they are coming from. I’m just requesting them to watch the film and then make their opinion because whatever they have seen is just a trailer. So what you have seen right now are lines that are out of context.”
Pratik Gandhi Requests Brahmin Community To Form Opinions After The Film Is On Screen
In light of the controversy, he urged the Brahmin community to approach the film with an open mind. He requests them to form their opinions after seeing the complete narrative unfold on screen. “It was disheartening for one big reason because this April 11 was the 197th birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule. Had the film been released on April 11, it would have been a part of history. That date was important. But whatever happens, happens for the best.“
The ‘Scam 1992’ actor said, “There are certain things that were asked to be softened a little and communicated differently. With respect to the film, without changing or harming the film, whatever was possible has been done, is what I’m told. Also, there was a sudden uproar by a set of people who felt that it was against them or their ideology. April 25 suddenly felt like a better date for the distributors and producers.”
Phule Director Ananth Mahadevan Confirms CBFC Cuts
Director Ananth Mahadevan confirmed that the team complied with the edits requested by the CBFC. However, after the trailer was released on April 10, some members of the Brahmin community voiced objections about their portrayal. This prompts the decision to postpone the release to April 25. On April 7, the CBFC issued a ‘U’ certificate for Phule. It came only after requesting the removal of certain caste-related terms such as Mang, Mahar, and Peshwai. The makers were asked to alter the phrase “3,000 saal purani ghulami” to “kai saal purani ghulami.”
Anand Dave, President of the Brahmin Federation, who viewed the trailer, asserted that the film advocates casteism. He also called on the filmmakers to recognize the contributions of the so-called ‘black Brahmin’ community. They supported Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Amid escalating concerns, former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal met with director Ananth Mahadevan and the film’s producers to address the issues and seek a resolution.
About Phule
Phule is based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule. They dedicated their lives to promoting equality and education as a fundamental right. Pratik Gandhi stars as Jyotirao Phule, known as Mahatma Phule, while Patralekhaa portrays Savitribai Phule.
Also Read: Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa-Led Phule Postponed Owing To Multiple Controversies; New Release Date Out!
Akankshya Mukherjee has a passion for creativity and drives to contribute as a valuable asset to the organisation. She belives to be hungry for learning new skills. She sees a potential growth in communications and content writing/reporting for her professional journey.
