Pratik Gandhi’s Phule release pushed after Brahmin organisation raise objection - Complete controversy explained

While this Friday is an exciting one with Sunny Deol’s Jaat releasing on the big screen, there was another reason to be happy and excited as Phule, starring Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story fame Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was also set to release. The movie, based on the lives of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, tells the story of how the two fought against casteism and promoted education in India. However, the film has now run into a bit of trouble, and its release has been pushed by two weeks from the initially planned April 11 date. It is being said that some Brahmin organisations have raised objections against the movie, accusing it of misrepresentation. Read on to know everything you should about the same.

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What Exactly Happened?

According to a Mid-Day report, filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, who co-wrote the movie with Muazzam Beg, confirmed that a section of the Brahmin community has raised objections against the film and the representation of the community in it. He said many letters and notices have been received by him from the concerned Brahmin organisations. Ananth confirmed that the issue stems from a misunderstanding that arose after the trailer’s launch and that he intends to clarify the doubts with the organisations to avoid any disruption in viewership.

Phule, starring Scam 1992 star Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the lead roles, traces the life of social reformer Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule as they battled casteism and championed women’s education in the 19th century. The organisations that have raised concerns include the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj, Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, and others.

“When we met the representatives of the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and told them 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 film,” said the director.

Phule New Release Date

While reports suggest Phule starring Atithi Bhooto Bhava star Pratik Gandhi has been delayed by two weeks, no official new release date has been announced yet. April 11 was ideal as it coincided with Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's birth anniversary. However, Ananth Mahadevan has confirmed he will not be showing the film to the organisations raising objections prior to its release.

He added, “It will look as if we are justifying the film. You justify something if you're guilty. They can see the film when it is released. The CBFC [Central Board of Film Certification] gave it a U certificate."

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