Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s Phule—a biopic on social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule—was initially slated for release on April 11, 2025, but has now been delayed by two weeks after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to remove several caste-related references following objections from Brahmin groups. They asked to drop the visual of 'man carrying a broom' to 'boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitri Bai'.
Now, actress Ridhi Dogra reacted to Phule being delayed and called it 'depressing.' Taking to her Instagram story, she re-shared journalist Faye D’Souza's post, writing, "This is depressing. This is no way to make films. Why is everyone touchy and hurt by cinema and not actual real world around them to stop and take real action. Why?"
She added, "Heard someone tell me The future of entertainment is Gaming… I didn’t understand how but at this rate ya it looks likely."
Photo Via Instagram
The CBFC has ordered the removal of terms like 'Mahar', 'Mang', 'Peshvai', and 'Manu’s system of caste', citing them as 'sensitive'. A 43 second dialogue--Yaha 3 M hai...Aur hum vahi karne ja rahe hai' was also deleted.
The decision follows complaints from the Brahmin Federation, led by President Anand Dave, who alleged that the film promotes casteism and presents Brahmins in a negative manner.
He contended that while the film sheds light on caste-based discrimination, it overlooks the role of Brahmins who supported Mahatma Phule's reform movement. "The story is one-sided. We are not against showing the truth, but it should be inclusive. The film could stoke caste-based tensions," he said.
Phule is directed by Ananth Mahadevan.
