Anant Mahadevan has addressed various concerns around his upcoming film, Phule, which is mainly around the lives of the social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. 

The upcoming biopic Phule is facing major controversy. The director has stepped forward to address it. This upcoming movie was scheduled to release on 11th April 2025, with an ensemble starcast of Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa. Moreover, the delay happened due to concerns raised by Anand Dave, president of the Brahmin Federation; the makers have postponed its release date, and now it will release on 25th April 2025.

Anand Dave's Perspective

Anand Dave claimed that the upcoming movie promotes casteism and urged the filmmakers to include the 'black Brahmin' community, who, he claims, had supported the Phules to ensure the film presents a more complete and balanced perspective.

The Director Says Story Is Factual(Based On Facts)

Anant Mahadevan offered his opinions after the criticism, as well as a meeting with the former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal. In a formal conversation with News18, Anant stated, 'We don't start a film with doubts or fears. You shouldn't make movies if you're fearful."

Further, he stated that, 'You don't even require taking any cinematic liberties, because their lives have been very dramatic; you can just do your best by staying honest, sticking to the facts with the help of research, and present it in a very realistic way.'

Anant Mahadevan Defends 'Phule'

It is very fascinating to know that Anant acknowledged his past, wherein he claimed that, 'I'm a Brahmin myself and naturally I would firstly ask myself, am I doing the right thing to make a movie around the topic of caste differences. I would never ever let the Brahmins come and question me about my film and its motives.'

Film's Message

While ending the conversation, Anant said, Sadly, what Jyotiba and Savitribai began in the mid-18th century still matters today because caste differences remain deeply rooted.