Anurag Kashyup Expresses Discontent Over 'Phule' Controversy: Raises Significant Questions

Synopsis

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyup has expressed his worries regarding the backlash against Ananth Mahadevan's film 'Phule', which has been criticized for alleged casteism. Following directives from the CBFC, the film underwent multiple edits, raising questions about film censorship and access to films prior to their release.

Key Takeaways

Anurag Kashyup highlights backlash over 'Phule'.
The film faces edits for alleged casteism.
CBFC mandated removal of specific caste references.
Kashyup questions access to films by external groups.
Calls attention to inconsistencies in censorship standards.

Mumbai, April 16 (NationPress) Filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyup has voiced his concerns regarding the backlash directed at Ananth Mahadevan's biographical film, "Phule".

The movie, featuring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has encountered criticism for supposedly endorsing casteism. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has mandated several edits to the film prior to its scheduled release on April 25.

The production team was compelled to eliminate numerous caste-related references, including terms like ‘Mahar’, ‘Mang’, ‘Peshvai’, and ‘Manu's system of caste', following the CBFC's directives.

Expressing his disappointment concerning the CBFC's verdict, Kashyup shared a note on his Instagram stories stating, "Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, Phule - I am unaware of how many other films are obstructed that reveal the agenda of this casteist, regionalist, racist government, which is too ashamed to confront its own reflection. So ashamed that they cannot even candidly discuss what aspect of the film disturbs them, F....ing cowards."

In another post, the creator of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ posed a significant inquiry - how do various groups and factions gain access to films before their release?

He noted, "My question is, when the films go for censorship, there are four members on the board. How do the groups and wings access films unless they are granted access? The entire system is rigged."

Previously, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also utilized social media to scrutinize film censorship. The director of ‘Thappad’ remarked on his Instagram, “Is there no caste system in society? Has it never existed? Why should we deceive ourselves? And then, why should cinema be the only medium to deceive? After all, the content the Election Commission permits in speeches and what the CBFC allows in films - these cannot have two separate standards. Both serve as forms of communication with society.”