Film director Anurag Kashyap has recently expressed deep disappointment over the controversy over the film Phule. The director has raised serious questions on censorship and casteism in India. Anurag Kashyap shared his views on this entire controversy and wrote on Instagram that if there was no casteism in India, then why would there be a need to fight against it.
The film was initially released on 11 April on the occasion of Phule Jayanti. But it was postponed due to the objections of a section of the Brahmin community. Now the release of the film has been postponed till 25 April and the Central Film Certification Board (CBFC) has demanded the removal of some scenes in it.
Questioning the objections of the Brahmin community, the director of Gulal said, “Some political personalities claim to end casteism. If casteism is really over. Then why is someone objecting to this film.”
He also asked how the community came to know about what is in the film before the film’s release. He questioned the transparency of the censor board.
Kashyap described ‘Phule’ as one of the films that have come on target due to highlighting uncomfortable truths. Referring to films like ‘Punjab 95’, ‘Tis’ and ‘Dhadak 2’, she said that these films are facing protests due to raising social issues.
He recalled his first theater production, based on the Phule couple and had to face opposition at that time. He said, “Brother, decide the mill. Whether there is casteism in India.”
Amid this dispute, Prakash Ambedkar, president of the deprived Bahujan Aghadi, staged a protest in Pune. He warned that if important scenes were removed from Phule film. So its purpose will end. Ambedkar said that the message of the film will be clear only when all its scenes remain intact.
The film is directed by Anant Mahadevan and Prateek Gandhi has played the roles of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Patralekha. The film throws light on their fight against caste discrimination and gender inequality.
