Phule: Ananth Mahadevan says CBFC suggested no cuts; calls the censorship debate about the film ‘little exaggerated and unnecessary’

That there is a Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer on the block and about to release was registered in the minds of the people in a pretty harsh way. Phule, the movie that tells the story of social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, stars the two actors and is directed by Ananth Mahadevan. The movie, which was originally set for a release on April 11, was pushed to a new date, and that was because the members of Brahmin organisations raised objections against the movie. While that storm was still very prominent, it was reported that the CBFC has advised some very questionable cuts to the makers that would dilute the impact of the hard-hitting story of the Phules, who dedicated their lives to ending casteism and taboos.

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Ananth Mahadevan On Phule Being Censored By CBFC

Now Ananth Mahadevan, in a latest interview, has shunned the rumours and said the CBFC did not suggest any cuts but advised some changes that do not dilute the film he has made. Phule, which stars Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story fame Pratik Gandhi and Nanu ki Jaa nu Patralekhaa in the leading roles, traces the life of social reformer Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule as they fought casteism and championed women's education in the 19th century.

It was said that the CBFC passed the movie with a U certificate after asking the makers to change terms like Mahar, Mang, Peshwai, and even visuals of a man carrying a broom were replaced with boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitribai, and the line “3000 saal purani gulami” was to be modified as “Kai saal purani,” among a few other things.

Talking about the same, Ananth Mahadevan has said the CBFC has suggested no cuts as such, and he doesn't understand why people have been debating so much online. “They had suggested some amendments, I wouldn't call it cuts. I want to clarify that there are no cuts as such. We did so. They felt that the film should be watched by youth and everyone, and it's very educative. I don't know why this whole storm of conflict and counter-arguments is happening, I think it's a little exaggerated and unnecessary,” he said.

Ananth Mahadevan On Brahmin Organisations Raising Objections

The organisations that have raised questions are Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, among others. Talking about them, Ananth said, “Brahmins got carried away by a two-minute trailer.” He revealed the movie has nothing objectionable. He revealed the movie is being pushed because of the controversy around it. “They had put their views on social media and then other people also said, ‘Why are Brahmins protesting?’ The protest started between two groups. We wanted to calm them down and tell them that, ‘It has nothing that you people are imagining.’”

He added, “We did not want to lose out on the audience... I would rather they come together and see the film peacefully. So, the producer and the distributor got together and thought, ‘Let’s postpone it for two more weeks and clear all the controversies, talk to the media and let it reach them.’”

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