Maharashtra Opposition blasts CBFC over double standards in Mahatma Jyotirao Phule biopic censorship

Maharashtra’s Opposition on Thursday (April 10) raised concerns over the cuts recommended by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for the upcoming biopic on social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, accusing the board of double standards.

Jayant Patil, the state president of NCP (SP), criticized the CBFC’s quick objections to the Phule biopic, pointing out that the board did not raise any concerns about propaganda films like The Kashmir Files or The Kerala Story. 

“India’s censor board did not object to a single scene from propaganda movies like The Kashmir Files or The Kerala Story. But it was quick to make objections to films like the Phule biopic. It shows the mentality of the board,” said NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil.

NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad also questioned whether the opposition to the film was an attempt to suppress history. “I have spoken to the film’s producer. He said the film will now be released on April 25, instead of the earlier planned date of April 11. The casteist censor board has tried to strengthen the casteist mindset by suggesting changes in the film. The producers had no option but to accept them,” Awhad stated. He added that the film would shed light on the historical atrocities faced by the Bahujans and their struggle.

The controversy intensified after several Brahmin organisations objected to the film’s teaser. Anand Dave of the Brahmin Mahasangh pointed out that a scene in the teaser depicted a Brahmin boy throwing cow dung and stones at Savitribai Phule. 

While he acknowledged the scene, Dave urged that the film should also highlight the role of a Brahmin who had provided his house for Mahatma Phule to establish the first school. “We don’t object to this, but it should also be shown that it was Brahmin who gave his house to Mahatma Phule to open the first school. The teaser should not be one-sided,” he said.

12 changes and cuts suggested by CBFC

In response to the objections, the CBFC suggested 12 changes and cuts. This included replacing scenes depicting “a man carrying a broom” and “boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitribai,” as well as modifying dialogue that mentioned words like Kshudra, Peshwa, Mang, and Mahar.

The film’s producer and director, Anant Mahadevan, held a meeting with Chhagan Bhujbal, an MLA and senior leader of the ruling NCP, who expressed strong support for the project. Bhujbal clarified that the film was not made to portray any particular community negatively but aimed to showcase both positive and negative figures from all communities who either supported or opposed Mahatma Phule’s work. 

“This film has not been made to show a particular community in a bad light. Instead it has showcased good and bad people from all communities who either helped or opposed the work of Mahatma Phule. I think that everyone must see this film,” the OBC leader said.