Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has spoken out strongly against Brahmin groups protesting the upcoming film Phule, accusing them of protecting a casteist system and trying to silence important stories. His outspoken social media posts have reignited debate around censorship, caste, and the power of fringe groups in India.
The film Phule is based on the lives of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, 19th-century social reformers who challenged caste discrimination and championed education for women and Dalits. Responding to the backlash, Kashyap wrote:
¡®Meri zindagi ka pehla natak Jyotiba aur Savitribai Phule pe tha. Bhai agar casteism nahin hota is desh mein toh unko kya zaroorat thi ladne ki. Ab ye Brahmin log ko sharam aa rahi hai ya wo sharam mein mare ja rahe hain ya phir ek alag Brahmin Bharat mein jee rahe hain jo hum dekh nahin paa rahe hain. C***** kaun hai koi to samjhaye.¡¯?
In a follow-up post, Kashyap slammed the system that allows groups to see films before their release:¡®My question is, when the film goes for censoring there are four members on the board. How the f** the groups and the wings get access to films until and unless they are given access to it. The whole f**ing system is rigged..¡¯
He also named other films like Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, and Phule as examples of projects being suppressed.
¡®I don't know how many other films are blocked that expose the agenda of this casteist, regionalist, racist, government... So ashamed that they can't even openly talk about what it is about the film that bothers them. F**in' cowards.¡¯?
Online reactions were mixed. One user backed Kashyap but criticised inconsistent outrage:?¡®Totally agree with Anurag, but if same outrage isn't showcased during other community outcry of showing them in bad light. Then tum log zaroor ch***** ho.¡¯?Another drew a political comparison:?¡®Phule ji fought against caste just like Rahul ji is fighting against nepotism.¡¯A third was sceptical of the film¡¯s intent: ¡®Phule?is agenda movie to distract from the truth of Chavva movie.¡¯?
Phule is a biographical drama that depicts the lives of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule; two of the main figures in 19th-century India that were known for their social reform initiatives. They are recognized for their critical work against caste oppression and the rights of the marginalised and oppressed sections of society, such as women and Dalits.
The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was originally due out on 11 April. Protests from groups including the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj led the filmmakers to postpone the release to 25 April.?After incorporating suggested changes from the Central Board of Film Certification, they said they wanted to open dialogue and clarify that the film contains no offensive material.