Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed strong criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and certain factions of the Brahmin community regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Phule, a biographical film on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The movie, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was initially set for release on April 11 but faced backlash, prompting a delay to April 25.
The CBFC had granted the film a ‘U’ certificate on April 7 but insisted on several changes before approval. These included removing caste references such as ‘Mahar,’ ‘Mang,’ and ‘Peshwai,’ as well as modifying a line from “3,000 saal purani ghulami” to “kai saal purani ghulami.” According to Mahadevan, these edits were carried out to meet the certification body’s demands.
Kashyap took to Instagram to criticize the CBFC’s decision-making process, calling it part of a larger “rigged system.” He questioned the motivations behind blocking films that explore caste issues, mentioning films like Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, and Phule. Kashyap further blasted what he described as a “casteist, regionalist, racist government” and accused them of being “cowards” for not openly expressing their objections.
In addition, Kashyap raised concerns about how groups protesting films are able to access content before its official release, implying that there might be a coordinated effort behind the scenes. “How do these wings and groups see the film before its release? Unless someone’s giving them access. The whole system is rigged,” he added.
Kashyap also pointed out the contradictions in the rhetoric around caste, questioning why Brahmins were upset about the portrayal of caste in Phule. “If there’s no caste system, why are Brahmins upset over Phule? Who are you if caste doesn’t exist? Why are you burning with anger?” he posted, urging people to take a clear stance on whether casteism exists in India or not.
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also joined the debate, calling attention to the double standards in political discourse versus cinema. “Why should only cinema lie?” he questioned, highlighting the discrepancy in how certain subjects are handled differently depending on the medium.
The controversy around Phule continues to stir debate over freedom of expression in cinema and the sensitive subject of caste in India.
