Pratik Gandhi Reacts To Phule Backlash, Feels There’s Outrage Over ‘Most Random Things’: ‘I’ve Seen A Time…’
Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, released in theatres today, on 25th April, 2025.
Ananth Mahadevan’s film ‘Phule’, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, released in theatres today. While the film was initially set to release on April 11, it was postponed as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers of the film to make multiple edits to the film before release. The film had reportedly drawn criticism from sections of the Brahmin community, who alleged that it promoted caste-based narratives. Reacting to the backlash over the film, Pratik Gandhi said that we have reached a point where one cannot even imagine what might offend someone. He said that there was once a time when people were far more tolerant and open, however, in the last few years, he has seen people outrage over the most random things.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India before the film’s release, Pratik Gandhi said, “It’s extremely saddening and heartbreaking. First of all, I say this as an artist, because this is not how it’s supposed to be. I’ve seen a time when our country—and our people—weren’t like this. We were far more tolerant, far more open, far more forward-thinking. In the last few years, I’ve seen outrage over the most random things. We’ve reached a point where you can’t even imagine what might offend someone."
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He said that today, one cannot even call the red colour red. “It’s madness. Once it goes to that level, I guess there’s no point in thinking anything before you decide. So as an artist, my gut feel is the only strongest tool I have to decide on a script. If I can connect to the script and the world and the story, then I want to be a part of it," he said.
The CBFC reportedly asked the makers of Phule to make multiple edits to the film before release, including the removal of references like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, among other things.
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.
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