Anurag Kashyap Critiques Censorship of Biopic 'Phule'

Filmmaker Voices Concerns Over Censorship

Director Anurag Kashyap has voiced his discontent regarding the censorship challenges encountered by the biographical film 'Phule', helmed by Ananth Mahadevan. Featuring actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, the movie was originally scheduled for release on April 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, but its debut has been delayed due to objections from certain members of the Brahmin community.

Kashyap took to Instagram to express his views, prompting a discussion on the presence of casteism in India.

He wrote, “Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi (Brother, let’s decide together. Does casteism exist in India or not?).”

The director of 'Gangs of Wasseypur' believes that 'Phule' is not alone in facing suppression, as it tackles bold themes. He referenced other films like 'Punjab 95', 'Tees', and 'Dhadak 2', indicating that these productions are being targeted for revealing uncomfortable truths. Kashyap reflected on his own experiences, recalling his first theatrical production focused on Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule's lives. He questioned the objections from the Brahmin community, highlighting the irony that if casteism were genuinely eradicated in India, as some political leaders claim, there would be no grounds for offense.

He further stated on Instagram, “If casteism didn’t exist in this country, why would they have needed to fight against it?” Kashyap also raised concerns about how the community had access to the film prior to its official release and criticized the censor board for its lack of clarity regarding the specific issues they had with the film.

Currently, 'Phule' is set to release on April 25, but it now faces cuts mandated by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In light of these censorship measures, Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi, organized a protest in Pune, arguing that removing key scenes would undermine the film's core message. “If those scenes are removed from Phule, the purpose of the film is lost,” he asserted.