Bollywood Film 'Phule' Delayed as CBFC Orders Cuts to Caste References

The film's release has been postponed by two weeks following protests from upper caste groups and demands for significant edits to dialogue and visuals.

The release of 'Phule,' a film about 19th-century reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, has been delayed to April 25, 2025, after originally being scheduled for April 11.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has required the removal or alteration of caste-specific terms, visuals, and dialogues before the film can be released in theaters.
Protests from Brahmin groups in Maharashtra, claiming the film defames their community, prompted the CBFC to demand the changes.
Historians and activists have criticized the censorship, expressing concerns that the edits risk diluting the film’s message about caste injustice and social reform.
Director Ananth Mahadevan maintains the film is factually grounded and not agenda-driven, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Phules' legacy.