Director Ananth Mahadevan defends ‘Phule’ amid caste controversy, says, “We don’t get into a film with these kinds of doubts and fears in mind” |

The director of the upcoming biographical film ‘Phule’, which centers on the lives of social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, Ananth Mahadevan, has responded to the film’s controversy. Originally scheduled for release on April 11, the film stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa. However, because of concerns expressed by Anand Dave, the President of the Brahmin Federation, its release has been delayed to April 25.
Anand Dave argued that the movie promotes casteism and asked that the “black Brahmin” community, who he claims backed the Phules, be given a role as well. He demanded that the film include a more inclusive and balanced representation.
The director says the story is based on facts
Ananth Mahadevan offered his viewpoint after these comments and a meeting with former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal. “We don’t get into a film with these kinds of doubts and fears in mind,” he said in response to a question about whether he anticipated criticism because the movie dealt with caste. You don’t deserve to make the movie if you’re going to carry such fear when discussing a fearless couple like Jyotiba and Savitribai,” he said in an interview with News18.
Mahadevan stated that he wants to avoid overdramatization and stay true to the facts. “You don’t even need to take any cinematic liberties because their lives have been so dramatic; you can just be honest, stick to the facts, do your research, and avoid exaggeration or making it seem unrealistic in any way. Actually, because it’s so dramatic, you have to downplay a lot of things!
Ananth Mahadevan defends intentions behind ‘Phule’
It’s interesting to note that Mahadevan acknowledged his own Brahmin past. He claimed that this gives his handling of the matter a greater sense of personal accountability. “I’m a Brahmin myself. Naturally, I will first ask myself if I’m doing the right thing if I have to make a movie about caste differences. I wouldn’t be letting the world’s Brahmins come and question me and cast doubt on my motives. They should be aware that you are not allowed to question the patient’s treating physician. The doctor would care about his patients’ well-being.
The director mentioned that he hopes viewers will view the movie with an open mind and that he is not scared of criticism. “All I want to do is get rid of these tiny mental cobwebs. It resulted from evaluating the trailer, which isn’t the proper method for evaluating a full-length movie.
Message of the film still relevant today
He continued by saying that because the issues the Phules fought against are still present, ‘Phule’ is still relevant today. “Everyone realizes at some point that these social problems still exist. Even though women are now educated and self-sufficient, caste and gender discrimination still exist, even in rural communities and smaller areas.
He ended with a powerful reminder: “Unfortunately, what Jyotiba and Savitribai began in the middle of the 1800s still holds true today because we have such a wide range of class differences.” In the next 100 to 200 years, it cannot be eliminated. Because people’s mindsets need to shift, it will take time. Furthermore, I don’t believe that things are getting better. A great deal of indifference still exists. The relevance of this movie is greater now than it has ever been.