The release of Phule, a Bollywood biopic on 19th-century anti-caste reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, has been delayed following protests from upper-caste groups, who claim the film tarnishes their community’s image.
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film traces the lives and struggles of the Phule couple, known for championing Dalit rights and pioneering women’s education in India. Although the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially cleared the movie with a U-certificate, it later asked for substantial edits—particularly the removal or softening of caste-specific references—after several Brahmin organisations in Maharashtra raised objections.
Authorities from groups such as the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal accused the film of being defamatory. In response, the CBFC demanded the removal of terms related to the Dalit community and a toning down of scenes and dialogues, citing sensitivities around caste representation.
Originally scheduled for release on April 11, the film has now been postponed to April 25. It is still unclear if the director will comply with the CBFC’s demands, which some fear could compromise the film’s integrity and dilute its message.
Critics, including historians and social activists, have denounced the CBFC’s intervention, calling it a form of historical whitewashing. They argue that censoring caste references undermines the very purpose of the film, which aims to spotlight systemic caste oppression and honour the legacy of the Phules.
Ananth Mahadevan has defended the film’s historical accuracy and denied any agenda. He stated that the controversy likely stems from misunderstandings around the trailer and pointed out that some Brahmins were actually allies of Jyotirao Phule in his efforts to establish schools and fight caste discrimination.
The film’s subject, the Satyashodhak Samaj—founded by Phule in 1873—was a key reformist movement that challenged caste hierarchies and advocated for education, equality, and social justice.
The backlash against Phule echoes past controversies. In 2017, the Marathi film Dashkriya faced similar opposition from Brahmin groups for its portrayal of caste practices. More recently, British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s critically acclaimed film Santosh was blocked by the CBFC over its portrayal of caste and religious discrimination, despite international acclaim.
Scholars and activists argue that these patterns show a troubling trend in Indian cinema where Dalit narratives are routinely censored or suppressed. Social activist and author Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd questioned how a film about the Phules’ anti-caste struggle could be stripped of caste references. Opposition politicians also accused the CBFC of hypocrisy, pointing out that films like The Kashmir Files faced no such scrutiny.
“History cannot be erased,” said opposition leader Jitendra Awhad. “What is shown in Phule is the truth—and truth must be shown.”
