Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the center of a national controversy following remarks he made regarding the Brahmin community amid the ongoing debate surrounding his upcoming film, 'Phule'. The film, which stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, focuses on the lives of social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, and was initially set to release on April 11, 2025. However, due to protests from various Brahmin organizations, the release has been postponed to April 25, 2025.
On April 18, 2025, Kashyap issued a public apology on social media after facing severe backlash for a controversial comment in which he suggested he would "urinate on Brahmins". His comment was made in response to a social media user who stated, "Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you." In his lengthy Instagram post, Kashyap expressed frustration over the backlash and the threats his family had received, stating, "No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, or friends getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar. So, what has been said cannot be taken back — and I won’t take it back. But if you want to abuse someone, direct it at me. My family has neither said anything nor do they ever speak out." He further urged the Brahmin community to spare women from the backlash and added, "Brahmins, please spare the women — even the scriptures teach this much decency, not just Manusmriti. Decide for yourselves what kind of Brahmins you truly are. As for me, I offer my apology."
Kashyap's comments have reignited discussions about caste politics and the role of censorship in Indian cinema. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had previously mandated cuts to the film, including the removal of caste-related references and altering phrases that could be considered offensive to the Brahmin community. This has led to accusations from Kashyap and others that the film is being unfairly targeted for its portrayal of caste issues.
In his Instagram post, Kashyap also questioned the current caste narrative in India, stating, "If casteism didn't exist, why did Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule exist? Either your Brahminism doesn't exist because according to Modi, casteism doesn't exist in India — or everyone is being made a fool of. Decide once and for all whether casteism exists in India. People aren't fools." His remarks have drawn both support and criticism, with many users on social media calling for his arrest.
The film 'Phule' aims to highlight the revolutionary work of the Phule couple in challenging caste and gender inequality in 19th-century India. However, it has faced significant pushback from the Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, who argue that the film distorts historical facts and portrays the Brahmin community in a negative light. Anand Dave, president of the Hindu Mahasangh, expressed his displeasure, stating, "It is unfair to show only the bad things done by Brahmins. We can’t see the good things done by the community, like how Brahmin people supported Mahatma Phule."
Despite the controversy, director Ananth Mahadevan has defended the film, asserting that it is intended to inspire change and educate viewers. He has downplayed the outrage, suggesting that the conflict is exaggerated and unnecessary. "When they see the film, they will understand. We can only show dramatic snippets in the trailer," he said.
The debate surrounding 'Phule' is reflective of a larger discourse on caste in India, where discussions about historical injustices and present-day discrimination continue to evoke strong emotions. Kashyap's fiery rhetoric has sparked intense debate online and offline, prompting both supporters and detractors to weigh in on the implications for free speech and representation in cinema.
As the release date approaches, the controversy surrounding 'Phule' shows no signs of abating. Kashyap's comments, particularly his inflammatory remarks about the Brahmin community, have polarized opinions, raising questions about the intersection of art, politics, and social justice in contemporary India. The ongoing discourse highlights the complexities of addressing caste issues within the framework of Indian cinema, where filmmakers often find themselves navigating a minefield of societal sensitivities.
In the wake of Kashyap's comments, calls for accountability and dialogue have emerged, with many urging a more nuanced understanding of caste dynamics in India. As the nation grapples with its historical legacy and the path forward, the fallout from this controversy may serve as a catalyst for deeper discussions about caste, identity, and representation in the arts.
