Pratik Gandhi Appeals To Brahmin Community As Phule Faces Release Delay: 'Surprised By The Reaction'
Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa's film Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, is delayed to April 25, 2025, due to controversies and CBFC edits. It portrays reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.
Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s much-anticipated film Phule has been delayed amid ongoing controversies. The film has reportedly drawn criticism from sections of the Brahmin community, who allege that it promotes caste-based narratives. In response, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers to make several edits before it can be cleared for release. As a result, Phule will now hit theatres on April 25, 2025, two weeks later than its originally scheduled date of April 11.
Lead actor Pratik Gandhi has now shared his disappointment over the postponement. Pratik Gandhi shared that he had hoped for Phule to release on its original date, April 11, to honour the 197th birth anniversary of the legendary social reformer Jyotirao Phule. Addressing the controversy, the actor appealed to the Brahmin community to watch the film with an open mind and form their opinions after seeing the complete story unfold on screen.
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The actor, in an interview with PTI, reacted to the controversy and 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…"
“It was disheartening for one big reason because this April 11 was the 197th birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule. Had the film released on April 11, it would have been a part of history. That date was important. But whatever happens, happens for the best. 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," the ‘Scam 1992’ actor said.
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."
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted Phule a ‘U’ certificate on April 7, but only after asking for several changes. These included the removal of specific caste-related terms like ‘Mang’, ‘Mahar’, and ‘Peshwai’, and modifying the phrase “3,000 saal purani ghulami" to “kai saal purani ghulami."
Director Ananth Mahadevan confirmed that the team accepted and implemented all the suggested edits as requested by the board.
However, following the trailer launch on April 10, a section of the Brahmin community raised objections to how their community was portrayed in the film. In light of the backlash, the makers decided to postpone the release of Phule to April 25.
Anand Dave, President of the Brahmin Federation, watched the trailer of Phule and claimed that the film promotes casteism. He also urged the makers to acknowledge the contributions of the so-called ‘black Brahmin’ community, who he said played a role in supporting Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Amid the growing controversy, former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal met with director Ananth Mahadevan and the film’s producers to discuss the concerns and seek a resolution.
Meanwhile, Ananth Mahadevan spoke to News18 and addressed the ongoing controversy. He said, “I only wish to clear these little cobwebs in their mind. It has stemmed from judging the trailer, which isn’t the right way to judge a film in its entirety. Somewhere, everyone realises that these social ills haven’t been solved yet. Although we’ve educated women now and the woman is an independent entity by herself today, even in the smaller areas and mofussil towns, we’ve gender and caste discrimination."
Pratik Gandhi, too, spoke to us before the Phule controversy gained momentum. He had clearly mentioned that he wasn’t worried for the film. “That way, I’m in a very safe space and very confident about this", he had exclusively told News18. Addressing concerns over potential backlash or criticism, he added, “It is very difficult these days. Anybody gets offended with any damn thing. You can never guess in today’s time, especially in the age of social media. People have the power to do anything and to say anything and the power is being largely misused. Being fearless is the only answer to this."
Phule is based on the life of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, who worked tirelessly towards promoting equality and education as a birthright. The film stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule, also known as Mahatma Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. The film is directed by Ananth Mahadevan.
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