VBA Chief Prakash Ambedkar leads protest against Censor Board asking for cuts in 'Phule' movie

ANI April 12, 2025 183 views

A controversial biopic about social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule has been delayed by the Central Board of Film Certification's demand to remove certain scenes. VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar has strongly condemned the censorship, arguing that the cuts would undermine the film's core message. The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was originally scheduled to release on April 11th, coinciding with Phule's birth anniversary. Ambedkar has vowed to protest against what he calls "arbitrary actions" by the Censor Board.

"If those scenes are removed from Phule, the purpose of the film is lost" - Prakash Ambedkar
Mumbai, April 11: The much-talked-about biopic 'Phule', which is based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, has faced a delay in its release after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to remove a couple of scenes that mention caste-related terms.

Key Points

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Prakash Ambedkar leads protest against controversial CBFC film censorship

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Biopic about Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule faces release delay

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Censor Board demands removal of caste-related scenes

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Film stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi President Prakash Ambedkar, on Friday, led a protest against the Censor Board in response to the decision.

The film was scheduled to release on April 11, coinciding with Phule's birth anniversary; however, it was postponed due to the board's orders.

While speaking to ANI, Prakash Ambedkar strongly opposed the move and said the cuts would affect the "film's purpose."

"If those scenes are removed from Phule, the purpose of the film is lost. We are raising our voice against the arbitrary actions of the Censor Board. If they order the cuts, we will protest at their office," he told ANI.

The film stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. It is produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions.

Meanwhile, the makers have yet to announce a new release date.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
This is ridiculous! How can they censor a historical film about social reformers? The Phules' work was literally about caste issues. 🤦‍♂️
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Priya K.
I was really looking forward to this movie. Pratik Gandhi is such a talented actor and this is such an important story. Hope they resolve this soon!
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Amit D.
While I support the film's message, I think we should wait to see exactly what cuts were requested before jumping to conclusions. The CBFC has a job to do.
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Sunita M.
Savitribai Phule was India's first female teacher and we need more films about her! Censoring history helps no one. Education is the way forward, not hiding uncomfortable truths.
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Vijay R.
Respectfully disagree with Prakash Ambedkar here. The CBFC has guidelines for all films, and biopics shouldn't get special treatment. The cuts might be reasonable.
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Neha P.
The timing couldn't be worse - delayed on Phule's birth anniversary! 😔 Hope the filmmakers stand their ground. This story needs to be told properly.

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Tags:
Prakash Ambedkar Phule Movie Caste Representation CBFC Censorship Jyotirao Phule Social Reform
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