'Phule' film postponed, CBFC asks for 'caste references' to be removed

According to news reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the filmmakers to remove some caste references after objections were raised by a Brahmin group.

Phule, which has actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa essaying the roles of the great 19th century visionary reformers, was scheduled to release in theatres on Friday (April 11). The film’s release was meant to coincide with Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary.

However, it will now hit theatres on April 25 instead.

Words and dialogues deleted

Reports said the CBFC had asked for terms such as 'Mahar', 'Mang', 'Peshvai, and 'Manu’s system of caste' were asked to be deleted since these terms were considered to be “sensitive”. The filmmakers have also been asked to remove a voiceover talking about Manu’s caste system.

The visual of a 'man carrying a broom' has been asked to be replaced with 'boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitri Bai'.

Also read: What made BJP consider giving Bharat Ratna to Jyotirao, Savitribai Phule?

Some dialogues had to be modified as well.

Brahmin Federation objects

These changes were asked to be made after an organisation called the Brahmin Federation accused the film of promoting casteism and portraying Brahmins in a bad light.

The federation felt the film ignored the contributions of Brahmins who supported Jyotirao Phule’s reforms and was ‘one-sided’.

Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film shows how Jyotirao and Savitri Bai Phule fought against caste discrimination and gender inequality. The film's trailer had offered a glimpse into the struggle of the legendary reformers as they attempted to "change the status quo of women, particularly widows and Dalits".

Of late, historical dramas in Bollywood are being targeted by religious organisations and political parties.

CBFC cuts 'condemned'

Talking to The Federal, Hyderabad-based Professor Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, a political theorist, social activist and author asked, “How can the CBFC ask for postponement of a film on the greatest social reformer based on the Brahmin community’s opposition? How can they remove caste related references in the film when Phules’ struggle was against caste and Brahmin communities' inhuman practices of his time?”

Also read: Savitribai Phule: India’s first female teacher, and a forgotten liberator

Further, he pointed out that this move ironically comes after the Maharashtra state assembly on March 24 had unanimously recommended awarding the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna to the Phules. The Phule couples' fight against Brahmin casteism is a well-documented historical fact.

"The film’s trailer reflected absolutely truthful incidents. Dhanajay Keer, Mahatma Phule's biographer, has recorded these facts," he pointed out.

Kancha Ilaiah urged people to rise against this kind of casteism. “All the reform loving masses of India-particularly the Shudra/OBCs, Dalits/Adivasis of India, and also intellectuals must fight against CBFC’s anti-reform step and they must demand that the film must be released without cuts,” he stressed.