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Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa’s Phule Postponed Hours Before The Release
Updated on: 11 April, 2025 11:03 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Phule Poster
In a surprising turn of events, the release of the much-anticipated biographical film Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has been abruptly halted just hours before its scheduled theatrical debut today, April 11, 2025. The film, chronicling the lives of social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, now faces a delay following directives from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Concerns were voiced that the film might promote casteism and present a one-sided narrative. Following these objections, the CBFC stepped in, mandating several changes before the film can be certified for public viewing. The release has now been pushed back, with a new date set for April 21, 2025.
The Censor Board has asked the filmmakers for specific modifications. This includes removing a voiceover discussing the caste system attributed to Manu Maharaj. Furthermore, the board directed the removal of terms considered sensitive, such as `Mang`, `Mahar`, and `Peshwai`. A visual depicting a `man carrying a broom` is required to be replaced with one showing `boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitri Bai`.
Dialogue alterations were also ordered. The line `Jahan kshudro ko......jhadu bandhkar chalna chahiye` must be modified or replaced to `Kya yahi hamari..... sabse doori banake rakhani chahiye`. Similarly, `3000 saal puraani.....gulaami` needs to change to `Kai sal purani hai`.
Also Read: Milan: Deepak Adhikar And Prateek Gandhi Bring You The Perfect Wedding Song
Additionally, a significant 43-second dialogue – `Yaha 3 M hai...Aur hum vahi karne ja rahe hai` – has been deleted entirely. In response, the filmmakers have submitted ation to support the historical references made within Phule.
The Brahmin Federation, led by President Anand Dave, argued that while depicting caste discrimination is valid, the film allegedly ignores the contributions of Brahmins who supported the Phules` reform efforts, potentially stoking caste tensions.
However, voices like Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad have defended the film`s right to depict historical truths. On social media, he stated, “History cannot be erased; it can only be learnt from... What is true must be shown.”
Director Ananth Mahadevan also defended the biopic, confirming it was based on extensive research from multiple sources, while acknowledging the use of cinematic liberty grounded in historical fact.
Also Read: Pratik Gandhi: Ten Interesting Facts that you must know about the amazing Scam 1992 Actor
The recently released trailer highlighted their struggle to "change the status quo of women, particularly widows and Dalits". Produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, the film is set for distribution by Zee Studios. This incident adds Phule to a growing list of historical dramas in Bollywood, like the recent Chhaava, facing scrutiny from various groups before release.
Censor Board Intervenes Following Objections
The postponement stems from objections raised, reportedly by a section of the Brahmin community in Maharashtra, regarding the film`s portrayal of historical events and community representation.Concerns were voiced that the film might promote casteism and present a one-sided narrative. Following these objections, the CBFC stepped in, mandating several changes before the film can be certified for public viewing. The release has now been pushed back, with a new date set for April 21, 2025.
The Censor Board has asked the filmmakers for specific modifications. This includes removing a voiceover discussing the caste system attributed to Manu Maharaj. Furthermore, the board directed the removal of terms considered sensitive, such as `Mang`, `Mahar`, and `Peshwai`. A visual depicting a `man carrying a broom` is required to be replaced with one showing `boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitri Bai`.
Dialogue alterations were also ordered. The line `Jahan kshudro ko......jhadu bandhkar chalna chahiye` must be modified or replaced to `Kya yahi hamari..... sabse doori banake rakhani chahiye`. Similarly, `3000 saal puraani.....gulaami` needs to change to `Kai sal purani hai`.
Also Read: Milan: Deepak Adhikar And Prateek Gandhi Bring You The Perfect Wedding Song
Additionally, a significant 43-second dialogue – `Yaha 3 M hai...Aur hum vahi karne ja rahe hai` – has been deleted entirely. In response, the filmmakers have submitted ation to support the historical references made within Phule.
The Brahmin Federation, led by President Anand Dave, argued that while depicting caste discrimination is valid, the film allegedly ignores the contributions of Brahmins who supported the Phules` reform efforts, potentially stoking caste tensions.
However, voices like Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad have defended the film`s right to depict historical truths. On social media, he stated, “History cannot be erased; it can only be learnt from... What is true must be shown.”
Director Ananth Mahadevan also defended the biopic, confirming it was based on extensive research from multiple sources, while acknowledging the use of cinematic liberty grounded in historical fact.
Also Read: Pratik Gandhi: Ten Interesting Facts that you must know about the amazing Scam 1992 Actor
About the Film Phule
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, Phule stars Pratik Gandhi as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. The film aims to showcase the 19th-century couple`s relentless fight against caste discrimination and gender inequality.The recently released trailer highlighted their struggle to "change the status quo of women, particularly widows and Dalits". Produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, the film is set for distribution by Zee Studios. This incident adds Phule to a growing list of historical dramas in Bollywood, like the recent Chhaava, facing scrutiny from various groups before release.
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