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'Phule' Biopic Premieres Nationwide After Overcoming Censorship and Controversy

The film highlights Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule's fight for women's education and caste reform, earning praise for its performances but facing criticism for its pacing.

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Phule movie review: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa star in this social drama.
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Overview

  • 'Phule,' directed by Ananth Mahadevan, released in theatres on April 25, 2025, following delays due to censorship and protests over caste representation.
  • The biographical drama stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa as Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, showcasing their pioneering efforts in women's education and caste reform in 19th-century India.
  • Early reviews commend the lead performances, particularly Gandhi's portrayal of Jyotirao and Patralekhaa's powerful scenes as Savitribai, though the film's slow pacing is noted as a drawback.
  • The film adopts a documentary-style approach, focusing on historical authenticity over grand cinematic elements, which some critics found less engaging.
  • At a special Mumbai screening, the cast and team paid tribute to victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, underlining the film's broader social message.