The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) halted the release of Phule, a biopic about Jyotiba Phule and his wife, who fought against caste discrimination to secure the right to education for all castes.
Just days before its scheduled release on April 11, the CBFC stopped the film, demanding certain scenes be removed or altered.
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When the trailer was released, Anand Dave, President of the Brahmin Federation, raised objections, claiming the film promoted casteism.
The CBFC, which had initially cleared the film with a 'U' certificate, later demanded multiple changes to the final cut.
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These changes included the removal of a voiceover referencing the caste system and the exclusion of historically significant terms such as Mahar, Mang, Peshwai, and the Manusmriti system of caste.
Several dialogues were also revised to make them more "suitable" for a general audience.
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If the CBFC had already cleared the film with a U rating, why did it feel the need to edit it afterwards?
People on social media have been expressing their frustration, pointing out that films like Chhaava didn't take into consideration how certain groups might feel upon release, so why should Phule be treated differently?
Many are calling it a shame that such actions are being taken, especially when the film seeks to portray the harsh truths of the brutal caste system of the past.
When films containing gruesome murders, violence, and sexual abuse are openly released to the public, it's disheartening that a film addressing the caste system in India must be edited to be considered 'appropriate' for all.