Veteran filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, who is all set to bring the inspiring lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule to the big screen through his upcoming film Phule, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the film even before its release. Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in the titular roles, the biographical film sheds light on the couple’s pioneering efforts against caste discrimination and gender inequality.
Reacting to the backlash received over the film’s trailer, Mahadevan made an emotional appeal for viewers to wait until the full release before making judgments. He said "When Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule started their mission, they knew it wouldn’t be completed in 100 years. It was something that had to continue through generations. We made this film to honor that very beginning — the beginning of the fight against casteism, gender discrimination, and for educating children.They started this amidst such severe opposition that we can't even imagine it today. It’s hard to believe that someone could think so progressively in those times and be so noble. I don’t think they were ordinary people — they deserve to be revered like deities for the kind of work they did.
Today, we live in a world where girls are independent and society has evolved — this is because of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. We all owe them gratitude. They were India’s first truly futuristic couple, because they envisioned the future of this country and stood up fearlessly against all odds.That fearlessness, conviction, and commitment to society is what we still need today. We need many more such people for the future generations so we can carry forward their legacy.
Talking about the backlash received for the trailer, he said, "There’s been a small misunderstanding — if you've made up your mind based on just a minute or two of the trailer that this is anti-Brahmin, then that’s your mistake. You need to wait and have a little patience to watch the full film.History is witness that it was actually Brahmins who gave space to Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule to start their first school. The liberal Brahmins were far more in number than the orthodox ones. Brahmins stood with the Phules. I believe Brahmins will watch this film and feel proud.A few people will always oppose — but that doesn’t mean the entire community is being targeted. Please wait till the 25th April . Be patient. I promise, once you watch the full film, you’ll realize how balanced this story truly is."
The film is set to release on April 25, 2025, and is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated historical biopics of the year.