Anurag Kashyap is at the center of a storm surrounding Anant Mahadevan’s biopic ‘Phule’. The film, based on social activists Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, has sparked controversy among some sections of the Brahmin community. Kashyap took to Instagram to express his frustration with the ongoing debate, questioning the presence of casteism in the country. “My first play was on Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. If there was no casteism, would they have needed to fight?” he wrote.
Casteism Debate
Kashyap’s comments were triggered by the delay in the film’s release, which was initially scheduled for April 11 but has now been pushed to April 25. He criticized the Brahmin community for objecting to the film, saying, “Are you ashamed or dying of shame, or are you living in a different Brahmin India that we’re not understanding?” Kashyap also targeted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), questioning how certain groups get access to films under review. “The entire system is rigged,” he alleged.
Censorship Concerns
Kashyap expressed his disappointment with the CBFC’s handling of films that tackle uncomfortable truths. He cited examples like ‘Punjab 95’, ‘Tees’, and ‘Dhadak 2’, which faced censorship issues. “I feel ashamed looking at my face in the mirror,” he said, criticizing the cowardice of those who object to such films without explaining their concerns.
Reactions to Kashyap’s Comments
Kashyap’s post sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some supporting him and others criticizing him. One user wrote, “Brahmins are your fathers; the more you rile them up, the more they’ll rile you.” Kashyap responded, “I’ll piss on Brahmins; is that a problem?”
The film ‘Phule’ tells the story of Jyotirao Phule (played by Pratik Gandhi) and his wife Savitribai Phule (played by Patralekha), who fought against caste-based discrimination and advocated for women’s education, including establishing India’s first girls’ school in 1848.