New Delhi: Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the center of a fiery controversy following a provocative social media exchange in connection with his upcoming film Phule. The biopic, which chronicles the revolutionary work of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, has already been under scrutiny from certain groups, and Kashyap’s recent remarks have added fuel to the fire.
The controversy erupted after Kashyap responded to a provocative comment from a social media user, who wrote, “Brahmins tumhare baap hain. Jitna tumhari unse sulgegi utna tumhari sulgaayenge.” In a retaliatory tone, Kashyap responded, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem?” The filmmaker’s comment quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism, particularly from Brahmin organizations and social media users accusing him of hate speech and religious insensitivity.
In an attempt to defend his remarks, Kashyap shared another post on Instagram, stating:
“Jawab toh sab ne padh liya … outrage bhi kar hi rahe hain … aag laga rakhi hai … Context bhi dekh lo darpokon … saari zindagi shastron ke peeche chhupe rehne waale sabse aalsi log jo kuchh pate ka kaam nahin karte sirf doosron ko neecha dikha ke, khud ko bada bolte hain. Mere liye to bhai tum log chutiye hi rahoge.”
(Translation: “Everyone has read the response… they are outraging… they’ve set everything on fire. Cowards, at least look at the context before writing. The laziest people who hide behind scriptures all their lives, do no meaningful work, and only try to belittle others to elevate themselves. For me, you people will always remain fools.”)
The backlash coincides with ongoing protests against the film Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa. Originally scheduled for release on April 11, the film has faced objections from groups such as the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and the Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, who claim the content misrepresents their community and sentiments.
After intervention by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which recommended modifications, the filmmakers complied with the suggested edits. To further ease tensions, they chose to delay the release by two weeks to engage in dialogue with the concerned parties and ensure that the film’s content is not misinterpreted.
Now slated for release on April 25, Phule remains one of the most anticipated biopics of the year for its portrayal of the 19th-century couple’s tireless struggle against caste oppression and gender inequality. However, the growing controversy and Kashyap’s outspoken remarks have cast a shadow over its release, with many questioning the limits of artistic freedom and the responsibilities of public figures in sensitive socio-political discussions.
With debates intensifying across social media and in public forums, all eyes are now on the filmmakers, the CBFC, and concerned social groups to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
