Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has openly criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and certain Brahmin groups over the controversy surrounding the upcoming biographical drama Phule. The film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, portrays the lives of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Its release has been postponed to April 25, 2025, following objections from some Brahmin community members regarding their depiction in the film.
Kashyap expressed his frustration on Instagram, questioning the existence of casteism in India:
“Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi. Log chutiya nahin hain. Aap Brahmin log ho ya phir aap ke baap hain jo upar baithe hain. Decide kar lo.”
He also raised concerns about how certain groups accessed the film before its official release, suggesting a lack of transparency in the censorship process:
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“My question is, when the film goes for censoring, there are four members in the board. How the f*** do groups and wings get access to films unless they are given access to it? The whole system is rigged.”
The CBFC has reportedly asked the filmmakers to make several edits, including the removal of caste references such as ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’, and ‘Manu’s system of caste’.
Kashyap’s remarks have sparked discussions on censorship, caste representation in cinema, and the broader issues of freedom of expression in India.
