Indore police receive fresh complaint as filmmaker’s social media post on caste sparks outrage; Kashyap clarifies stance and pleads for safety of family
Indore, April 19: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is under fire for his alleged remarks against the Brahmin community, with a fresh police complaint filed against him in Indore on Saturday. The controversy stems from his recent social media post criticizing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and defending the upcoming film ‘Phule’, a biopic on social reformer Jyotirao Phule, which reportedly faced censorship hurdles.
In his post, Kashyap questioned the backlash surrounding the film and made comments perceived as casteist, sparking outrage among several sections of society.
Complaint Lodged in Indore
MG Road Police Station in-charge Vijay Singh Sisodia confirmed a formal complaint by Anoop Shukla accusing Kashyap of making “objectionable comments” that hurt the religious sentiments of the Brahmin community. “An investigation is currently underway,” said Sisodia.
Meanwhile, Mumbai-based lawyer Ashish Rai has also filed a separate complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, urging authorities to take suo moto cognisance of what he called “hate speech” under Supreme Court directives regarding objectionable social media content.
Kashyap Responds With Apology
As the backlash escalated, Anurag Kashyap issued an apology late Friday night. In a strongly worded statement, he expressed concern over rape and death threats being issued to his daughter, family, friends, and colleagues.
“This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred… So, if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology. Brahmins, please spare the women — even the scriptures teach this much decency, not just Manusmriti,” Kashyap wrote.
He reiterated that while he stood by his original post supporting freedom of expression and anti-caste narratives, the personal attacks on his loved ones were deeply troubling.
Background of the Controversy
The upcoming film ‘Phule’ centers on the life of Jyotirao Phule, a 19th-century reformer known for fighting caste discrimination and promoting education for women and Dalits. Reports of CBFC scrutiny on the film triggered Kashyap’s criticism of censorship in cinema.
However, a particular line in his commentary — widely circulated online — was perceived by many as an attack on the Brahmin community, leading to widespread condemnation.
What Lies Ahead
With multiple legal complaints now filed and demands for arrest from various quarters, the matter has escalated from a social media debate into a legal and political issue. While Kashyap’s apology may defuse some tension, the filmmaker’s remarks continue to polarize opinion in the ongoing debate over caste, free speech, and cinematic expression in India.