Pratik Gandhi’s latest movie, Phule, tells the tale of actual revolutionaries who, instead of brandishing weapons, subtly brought about change using chalk and slates. Helmed by Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, the real tale of this movement needs to be told. Pratik Gandhi’s upcoming movie, Phule, is based on the true stories of the unsung heroes who helped make India a free nation, both in terms of physical independence and in terms of the freedom of thought and conscience. Ananth Mahadevan's Phule is based on the lives of Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule. The film tells the tale of actual revolutionaries who, instead of brandishing weapons, opted to subtly bring about change using chalk and slates.
The cast of ‘Phule'
Jyotirao Phule is played by Pratik Gandhi, who is known for his performance in Scam 1992. A writer, communist, and reformer from India, Jyotirao Phule, spoke out against caste inequality and the practice of untouchability. Savitribai Phule was the first female teacher in India, a social reformer, poet, and wife of Jyotirao; played by Patralekha who has really shown her prowess in this film. If the trailer is any proof, this film will be a must-watch, helmed by two acting powerhouses! Based on the trailer, the narrative of the Phule film isn't your typical tale of a liberation warrior, full of battles and spectacular action scenes. This one takes place in a classroom and is directed by Anant Mahadevan. It's a fight of ideas.
Controversy surrounding the film
Initially, Patralekhaa and Pratik Gandhi's latest film Phule received a U-certificate from the CBFC, signifying that the picture was suitable for audiences of all ages. But now, under pressure from organisations like the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, the board has requested major changes, such as the elimination of caste-specific terminology describing the Dalit people, who have long been oppressed by India's caste system and assigned the lowest status, most demeaning occupations.
The real-life icons
Jyotirao Phule, alternately known as Jyotiba Phule, was born in 1827 in what is now Maharashtra. His family was from the Mali caste. As previously said, he was fortunate enough to be one of the few boys in his village to have access to an education, all because of the accidental kindness of a few forward-thinking customers. Because a few kind people felt sorry for Jyotirao, who was born into a "lower caste," he was able to pursue his education. He could have climbed the ladder and hauled it up after him, but instead, he turned around and constructed steps for the benefit of all people, particularly Dalits and women. However, Jyotirao engaged in scandalous behaviour rather than prudently utilising his privileges. His enquiries permeated every aspect. He exposed the caste system. He challenged the traditional wisdom held by Brahmins.
His wife, Savitribai, was his first student. While most people believed that a girl's sole purpose in life was to marry and serve, Savitribai did more than that; she taught reading and writing to hundreds of females. After he educated his wife, Savitribai, she established the first female-only school in India in 1848. She came to school wearing an extra sari when she was stoned and doused in cow dung because she dared to teach the "wrong" sort of children. She opened other schools in response to attempts by upper-caste goons to shut her down.
What makes the ‘Phule’ film so significant
Pratik Gandhi’s latest film- ‘Phule’- is an important film that must be watched. The Phules were social pioneers who, working together, laid the groundwork for modern society. Later leaders like Gandhi and Nehru embraced the principles they fought for. Widows and orphans were given sanctuary by them. Stopped the practice of marriage at a young age. Those who were prohibited from drinking public water were given access to a community well. Against the practice of widows' head shaving as a ceremony, they demonstrated. He created the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873 to unite the people in their fight against religious and social injustice and persecution. In all honesty, the Phule film isn't only about the past. It's quite pertinent. Discrimination based on caste has not vanished, and the status of women is still being discussed as if it were a matter of personal preference. Therefore, Phule may be the remedy you've been looking for if you're sick of films that glorify made-up heroes.
A pleasant change of pace is provided by this honest and important film, Phule. It accomplishes an extraordinarily unusual feat. It focuses on two actual revolutionaries who battled with words rather than swords and who are regrettably underappreciated. Both the film and the actual tale of Phule represent an anti-modern form of activism that is unassuming and unyielding.
When will Phule release?
Postponement of the film's release occurred because of controversy over its portrayal of certain communities in Maharashtra; the original release date was April 11, the anniversary of Jyotirao Phule's birth. April 25 is now the official release date for Pratik Gandhi’s new movie.