Anurag Kashyap Slams Censorship Issues Amid ‘Phule’ Film Controversy

April 17, 2025: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has voiced his frustration over the censorship challenges faced by the biographical drama Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan. The film, which stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekha as Savitribai Phule, was initially set for release on April 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. However, the film’s release was postponed after objections from a section of the Brahmin community.

Taking to Instagram, Kashyap expressed his discontent over the issue, questioning the existence of casteism in India. In his post, he wrote, “Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi…” (Brother, let’s decide together. Does casteism exist in India or not?). His post reflects his frustration with the ongoing censorship issues surrounding the film.

Kashyap, who is known for his unapologetic filmmaking and tackling controversial subjects, believes Phule is one of many films facing suppression for addressing bold and uncomfortable truths. He drew comparisons to other films like Punjab 95, Tees, and Dhadak 2, which have also been subjected to censorship due to their portrayal of sensitive themes related to caste and societal issues.

Drawing from his personal experience, Kashyap shared his memories of working on a theatre production focused on the lives of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. He pointed out the irony in the objections raised by the Brahmin community, questioning how, if casteism had truly been eradicated in India, as some political figures claim, there would be no reason for any community to take offense at the film.

Kashyap also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the censor board’s decision-making process. He criticized the board for not explicitly stating the specific content they found objectionable.

The release of Phule has been delayed to April 25, with the film now facing cuts mandated by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This decision has sparked protests, including one led by Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi, in Pune. Ambedkar argued that removing key scenes from the film would strip it of its intended message. “If those scenes are removed from Phule, the purpose of the film is lost,” he said during the protest.

Phule delves into the life and struggles of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, highlighting their battle against caste discrimination and gender inequality. The film’s exploration of these themes has clearly struck a chord, drawing both support and opposition.