Phule director postpones release after objections from Brahmin organisations: Report

Ananth Mahadevan has decided to postpone the release of his upcoming film, Phule, after objections raised by members of the Brahmin community over their representation in it. The film, based on the life of social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, was set to be released on April 11, coinciding with the former's birth anniversary.

Speaking to Mid-day, the director shared, “Many letters and notices have come from different Brahmin organisations. There is some misunderstanding after the trailer was launched. We want to clear those doubts so that there is no hassle in viewership.”

The film’s trailer shows how Jyotiba and Savitribai fought against caste discrimination and promoted women’s education in the 18th century. Organisations like Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal have raised objections about the film. Anant said he met the members of the former organisation. “I told them about how we’ve shown that (certain) Brahmins helped Jyotiba Phule set up 20 schools, they were happy. When Phule opened the Satyashodhak Samaj, these Brahmins were the pillars. I’m a staunch Brahmin. Why will I (malign) my community? We have only shown the facts. It’s not an agenda film,” he said.

He added that he doesn’t want to show the film to members of the organisations prior to release. “It’ll look as if we are justifying the film. You justify something if you’re guilty. They can see the film when it releases. The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) gave it a U certificate,” said the director.

The CBFC has also suggested certain changes in the film and removal of words that reference to some castes, like 'Mang', 'Mahar' and replace it with a broader term, 'Aisi choti choti'. A scene showing a man carrying broom has also been cut from the film. Further, a dialogue in the film, "3000 saal purani gulami (3000 years of slavery)' has been replaced with, "Kai saal purani gulami (Slavery of many years)".

Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the lead, the film has been written by Ananth and Muazzam Beg. It will be released in theatres now on April 25.