PremiumPhule: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa's film to undergo dialogue changes, remove caste references - Here's the detailed report
Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa's film, Phule, was supposed to be released on April 11. But it has been postponed, and now CBFC has asked the makers to remove caste references and more.
Last Updated: 09.57 AM, Apr 10, 2025
Phule, the biographical film, focuses on the lives and social reform work of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. The film stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao and Patralekhaa as Savitribai and was supposed to hit theaters today, April 11, but the film faced controversy after members of the Brahmin community questioned their representation in the film. Now, CBFC has asked the makers to remove caste references along with several other changes.
Phule to go through dialogue changes and more
The movie's release date has been postponed because CBFC asked the makers to remove a voiceover that references the caste system. The film will also omit terms such as ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, and ‘Manu’s system of caste.'
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Not only this, but the film has modified several dialogues, such as:
"Jaha kshudro ko... jhadu bandhkar chalna chahiye" has been modified to "Kya yahi hamari... sabse doori banake rakhani chahiye." The line "3000 saal purani....gulami" has been changed to "Kai saal purani" along with a 43-second dialogue of "Yaha 3 M hai...Aur hum vahi karne ja rahe hai'.
Director Ananth Mahadevan on Phule release delay
As per a Mid-Day report, director Ananth Mahadevan opened up about the delay and said that there have been some misunderstandings after the trailer was launched.
When I met the representatives [of the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj] and told them about how we’ve shown that certain Brahmins helped Jyotiba Phule set up 20 schools, they were happy. When Phule opened the Satyashodhak Samaj, these Brahmins were the pillars. I’m a staunch Brahmin. Why would I malign my community? We have only shown the facts. It’s not an agenda-driven film,” he said.
More about Phule
The movie follows the lives of the social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. They fought against caste oppression and advocated for women's education and rights in 19th-century India. This film highlights their efforts to eliminate caste-based oppression and promote education as a tool for liberation.
Phule is produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions and distributed by Zee Studios.
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