The upcoming historical drama Phule, based on the lives of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, has once again found itself in trouble. After facing objections from sections of the Brahmin community, the film is now caught in a legal issue. A financier has accused the makers of not repaying a loan, placing a serious obstacle in the film’s release plans.
As per a legal notice published in the April 5 and April 12 editions of Complete Cinema magazine, Mukesh Gupta, who had lent money to the producers, claims he hasn’t been paid back. The notice, issued by advocate Ashok Purohit, states that Gupta has placed a lien on the movie Phule. This means that no rights—whether digital, satellite, theatrical, or any other—can be sold or transferred without Gupta’s written permission.
The notice clearly warns that if any transaction related to the film happens without Gupta’s No Objection Certificate (NOC), it will be considered illegal, and legal action can follow. “This notice is being issued to safeguard our client’s legal and financial interests,” it stated.
This comes as a fresh blow to the film, which was originally scheduled to release in cinemas on April 11, 2025. Due to earlier protests, the release was pushed to April 25. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has been dealing with multiple issues related to the film’s content.
The controversy began when certain Brahmin organizations objected to how their community was shown in the film. Speaking to Mid-Day, Mahadevan shared how he resolved the situation by meeting representatives from the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj. He clarified that the film also highlights the role of Brahmins who supported Jyotirao Phule’s efforts to promote education.
“When I told them that many Brahmins helped Phule open around 20 schools, they were happy,” Mahadevan said. “Even when he started the Satyashodhak Samaj, some Brahmins were among the founding supporters. I myself am a Brahmin. Why would I show my own community in a bad light? The movie only presents the facts. There is no political or personal agenda.”
Phule stars Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. The movie aims to shed light on the lives and struggles of the pioneering social reformers who fought for equality and education in 19th-century India.
Despite the filmmaker’s efforts to settle earlier disputes, this new financial claim could delay the film further, unless a resolution is reached quickly. Fans and followers of meaningful cinema will be keeping a close eye on how the situation unfolds as the April 25 release date approaches.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Phule movie controversy and its legal developments.
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