The release of Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has been postponed by two weeks due to ongoing controversies surrounding its content. Initially set to hit theatres on April 11, 2025, the film will now release on April 25, 2025.
The delay follows objections raised by members of the Brahmin community who claim the film promotes casteism. After watching the trailer, Brahmin Federation President Anand Dave accused the film of being divisive and insisted that the role of the “black Brahmin” community in supporting the Phules should also be recognized.
In response to the growing backlash, former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal met with director Ananth Mahadevan and the film’s producers to address concerns. Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stepped in and asked the filmmakers to make several changes before the release.
Among the edits demanded by the CBFC are the removal of a voiceover referencing the caste system and the exclusion of certain words such as ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshwai’ and references to the ‘Manus system of caste’. Some dialogues were also altered to make the film more suitable for public viewing.
With the changes underway, the filmmakers are preparing for a revised release, hoping the message of the film can still reach audiences without further controversy.
