‘Phule’ Release Deferred in a Controversy of Caste
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, Phule was supposed to be one of the biggest releases in India. But just before its scheduled release, the film has run into a stumbling block. Earlier, it was scheduled for a theatrical release on April 11, but the release date has been postponed by two weeks because of controversy and last-minute revisions.
What Is the Film About?
Phule through Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, two 19th-century social reformers, gives a rousing account of the challenges cast by society against the deep-rooted caste discrimination as well as women’s education. At the same time it hones on revolutionary efforts faced by a time where such ideas were anything but just rare.
Reasons for the Postponement
The delay comes after some Brahmin groups in Maharashtra raised objections to how their community is portrayed in the film. According to them, the film shows their community in a poor light. The filmmakers were ordered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to make numerous changes in the content.
Among the changes:
- Remove a voice-over discussing the caste system.
- Removal of words like `Mahar’, `Mang’, `Peshwai’, and ‘Manu system.’
- Several visuals as well as dialogues have changed- for instance, instead of a man carrying a broom, you can now have boys throwing cow dung on Savitribai Phule.
- Some of the dialogues must be toned down or rephrased for sensitivity.
Censor Board Stance Changes
Interestingly, Phule, granted a “U” certificate for unrestricted viewing, suddenly found itself facing a barrage of objections, with CBFC re-evaluating and demanding edits. These documents have included evidence submitted by filmmakers regarding historical accuracy.
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