'We’re Still Living Their Fight': Phule Cast On What The Film Means Today

On Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary, all eyes were on the film Phule, which brings alive the remarkable story of two of India’s most iconic social reformers, Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. But instead of a release, news of a delay came.

Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha and directed by Ananth Mahadevan, Phule was set to hit the theatres on April 11. The film traces the powerful journey of the couple who fearlessly challenged caste and gender discrimination in 19th-century India. Jyotirao Phule led the fight against caste oppression, while Savitribai became a pioneering voice for women’s rights. Together, they opened India’s first school for girls in 1848, laying the foundation for an educational revolution.

However, the film’s release has been postponed by two weeks following objections raised by some Brahmin groups in Maharashtra. The controversy stems from concerns over the portrayal of caste practices. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly asked the makers to make several changes, removing a voiceover on caste, certain community references like 'Mahar', 'Mang', 'Peshwai', and even the term ‘Manu system’.

Bringing Phule's legacy to the screen was no easy task. The cast and director of the film spoke to SheThePeople about the passion and preparation behind telling this important story.

Phule: A Story That Needed to Be Told

Reflecting on how the project came to him, Pratik shared, “When writer-director Anant Mahadevan brought this story to me, I was really excited and felt fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to create this character on screen.” After reading the script and understanding the team’s intent, his excitement only deepened. “The intention was right. I learned that the whole team was equally excited, passionate, and talented.”

For Mahadevan, the decision to tell the story of Phule and his wife Savitribai came from a deep sense of relevance. “The saga of the Phule couple is mind-boggling and worthy of emulation... their futuristic approach to eradicate social ills is the perspective I had in recreating their mission in today’s world.”

He emphasised the importance of staying true to the real-life story while making it cinematic. “The catch in filming a biopic is that one has to stay honest to the subjects while dramatising it... But the Phule couple’s lives were charged with so much drama that a filmmaker didn’t need to take any unnecessary cinematic liberties.”

To prepare for the role, Gandhi immersed himself in extensive research. “The prep part involved working with detailed research material provided by the script itself. Since we were condensing the life of this legendary figure into a two-hour film, a lot of research was needed.”

One of the most significant challenges for him was to portray Phule as a multidimensional figure. “The biggest challenge was not to simplify or reduce the character to a one-dimensional figure. We aimed to present a complete human story.” Language, too, posed a hurdle. “Marathi is not my first language... I had to learn certain pronunciations and Marathi lines to prepare for the role.”

Gandhi also shared how he personally connects with Phule’s ideals, especially his advocacy for gender equality. “I connect with all of his principles and his approach. He began social reforms at a time when it was impossible to even think about such changes, let alone implement them. The society and political scenario of the time were against him.”

Acknowledging Phule’s courage and vision, he added, “The country was fragmented back then, and the concept of one unified nation didn't exist. Challenging social norms that were deeply tied to religious practices must have been incredibly difficult.” What stayed with him most was Phule’s spirit. “Despite the odds, he trusted his understanding of religion and social norms, and his passion for reform shaped his vision for the future. He was truly a visionary.”

What resonates with me the most is his mindset. He was a fighter who saw possibilities for improvement and change in every obstacle that came his way.

The Feminist Flame in the Phule Legacy

In the movie, Patralekha plays Savitribai Phule, whose contributions were not just complementary, they were crucial. Understanding Jyotirao Phule’s legacy is incomplete without acknowledging Savitribai’s resilience, vision, and revolutionary spirit.

Gandhi noted how the bond between the two reformers was foundational to their impact. “Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule were meant for each other. When I look back at their lives and even after watching the film, it becomes clear that they were born to do this work together,” he said. 

“Their relationship was rooted in a shared purpose, and that's the real power of a strong partnership. When two individuals align their goals and work together, they can accomplish extraordinary things.”

Mahadevan also offered insight into how their relationship was portrayed on screen. “Their relationship operated on a dual level. The single-minded approach to the uplifting of society barely gave them time for emotional togetherness,” he explained. 

“The film PHULE steals several moments of their unsaid love for each other that surfaces in heartfelt moments,” he added.

While speaking about his co-star Patralekha, Gandhi was full of praise for her dedication and on-set presence. He highlighted her impressive work ethic, especially considering the linguistic challenges of the role. “Even though Marathi is not her first language, she put in immense effort to learn the language and pronunciations, which required a lot of courage and determination,” he said.

What stood out most for Gandhi was Patralekha’s collaborative and grounded nature. “She’s very approachable and easy to work with. She's not bogged down by any baggage, and her approach to scenes is refreshing,” he shared, adding that these are the qualities that make her such a strong performer.

Lessons That Still Hold Power

When both Gandhi and Mahadevan were asked about the relevance of Phule in today’s times and what they hoped the audience would take away from the film, their reflections pointed to one clear truth, history is not just about the past, it's a mirror to the present.

Gandhi said, “The audience will be surprised to learn that even though the film is set in the 1800s, many of the issues addressed are still relevant today. The biggest takeaway will be the realization that selfless social reformers fought for change during those times. Today, we often prioritise our own interests over society’s needs.”

He added that the film encourages viewers to question their own choices. “The film asks the audience: Do we still think about the future? Do we consider the well-being of others and our society? And if we do, do we have the courage to ask difficult questions?”

Mahadevan shared a similar sentiment, calling the film a timeless reminder. “The film is in many ways relevant to our time and generation. It is history extending right from the 19th to the 21st century, as all the issues raised by the Phules still have to be fully resolved. It’s an eye opener to the audience today… a lesson in fearlessness, morality and social responsibility.”