Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has been involved in a controversy and it has caused a delay in its release. The movie is based on the life of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who fought against caste discrimination and and gender inequality in 19th-century.

Why Phule Is Involved In Controversy?

The release of Phule has been postponed by two weeks after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to make some changes. The delay was caused because a section of the Brahmin community in Maharashtra expressed their concerns about their depiction in Phule. Some people from the Brahmin community even claimed that Phule defames them.

The CBFC has asked the makers of Phule to make some changes in the film including: changing the sub titles as caste to varna, replacing some visuals, modify some dialogues and also submit the proper documents for historical references made in the film.

In an earlier interview to Zoom, Pratik Gandhi said that Phule should be made more accessible to the audience. He said, “I don’t know on what basis the government decides to waive off taxes. Till now, we have seen films that are made tax-free but on what basis they decide, I have no clue. If anyone feels, by waiving off taxes, Phule can be made more accessible to a larger set of audience then yes. Phule deserves more audience to educate them on what has actually happened in our history.”

If any female is educated, a large credit goes to Savitribai Phule and Jyotiba Phule. These things are not known to children. Phule will help the audience see their contribution through a different light. I don’t know what impact will it have after becoming tax-free. If it makes sense, they should consider,” he added.

Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the movie stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as his wife Savitribai Phule.