Makers of 'Phule', the biopic on social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, had to remove several caste references, such as using terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshvai’, and ‘Manu's system of caste', after they were flagged by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, highlights the life and work of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule and their fight against caste oppression. They had played a vital role in pioneering education for Dalits and women in Maharashtra during British rule. Savitribai Phule set up the first school for girls in India and empowered the ostracised portion of the society.
Additionally, several right-wing groups, including the Brahmin Mahasabha, also objected to the portrayal of brahmins in the trailer, resulting in a delay in the release of the film, originally slated to hit the theatres on 11 April.
What is the controversy about?
Anand Dave, president of the Brahmin Federation in an interview with ABP Majha said, “We welcome the film. However, in the trailer, Brahmin boys were seen hurling mud and stones at Savitribai Phule. We do not oppose showing this incident. If such misdeeds had occurred at the hands of society, showing them would be understandable. However, people who helped Mahatma Jyotirao Phule with donations for schools and those who went to school and studied there, including four of the first batch of six students, were Brahmins. Is this mentioned in the movie as well? And if it is mentioned, why wasn't it shown in the trailer?”
The director of the film, Ananth Mahadevan, has confirmed he will not be showing the film to the organisations raising objections before its release.
He added, “It will look as if we are justifying the film. You justify something if you're guilty. They can see the film when it is released. The CBFC [Central Board of Film Certification] gave it a U certificate."
The film stars Pratik Gandhi of Scam 1992 fame as Jotiba Phule while the role of Savitribai is being played by Patralekha who was recently noticed for her role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
The action by the CBFC comes at a time when it is facing allegations of being selective in targeting films that are critical of the government while allegedly giving a free pass to films that promote the Hindutva narrative. Most recently, the board faced flak for blocking 'Santosh', which became UK's entry to the Oscars as it higlighted police atrocities. The release of the biopic on Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra starring Diljit Dosanjh has also been delayed after the CBFC ordered the filmmakers to make a large number of cuts.