Overview

• The biopic 'Phule', based on the lives of 19th-century social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, will now release on April 25, 2025, following a two-week delay.
• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved the film with a 'U' certification after edits were made to remove certain caste-specific terms and tone down references to historical oppression.
• Director Ananth Mahadevan criticized the societal backlash against the film, describing it as a reflection of societal immaturity and a regression in democratic freedoms.
• Brahmin community groups raised objections to the film's portrayal of caste oppression, leading to the CBFC's intervention and the subsequent edits.
• The controversy highlights broader tensions around caste politics, historical narratives, and freedom of expression in contemporary Indian cinema.