Phule, the Hindi biopic about Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, was initially scheduled to open on 11 April 2025. It was postponed, with 25 April announced as the new planned date. Contemporary reports described requests to alter caste-related references, but director Ananth Mahadevan said community objections—not the suggested amendments themselves—prompted the delay. The CBFC’s record confirms the film received a U certificate on 21 March 2025; it does not publish the reported edit list.
What was the original and planned release date?
The makers had scheduled Phule for 11 April 2025. Reports on 8 April said the release had been postponed, and Scroll reported on 10 April that 25 April was the new planned date. That was a prospective date in the contemporary coverage; the sources reviewed do not establish whether the film ultimately opened then.
What did reports say the CBFC wanted changed?
Accounts of the reported requests varied in wording and detail. Scroll said the CBFC sought removal of the terms “Mahar,” “Mang,” “Peshvai” and “Manu’s system of caste.” PTI, in a report carried by ThePrint on 11 April, named “Mang,” “Mahar” and “Peshwai,” and reported two further proposed alterations:
- Changing an image of a man carrying a broom to one showing boys throwing cow-dung balls at Savitribai.
- Changing the line “3000 saal purani gulami” to “Kai saal purani.”
These details come from news reports, not an amendment list in the CBFC record reviewed here. The reporting describes requested changes; it does not establish the exact final version shown in theatres.
Did the CBFC order cuts?
Mahadevan disputed the description of the changes as cuts. In comments reported by PTI/ThePrint, he said: “They had suggested some amendments, I wouldn’t call it cuts. I want to clarify that there are no cuts as such.” The distinction matters: reports attributed specific proposed edits to the board, while the director characterized them as amendments rather than cuts.
The CBFC’s certification record establishes that Phule was certified U by the Mumbai regional office on 21 March 2025. It identifies the Hindi film, names Dancing Shiva Productions as producer and applicant, and describes it as a biopic of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Jyotiba Phule. The record confirms certification but does not disclose the reported requests or show which changes, if any, were made.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why did the director say the release was postponed?
Mahadevan told PTI that objections from members of the Brahmin community—not the suggested amendments—led to the postponement. He said the delay was intended to let tensions settle and allow a peaceful release, adding: “We did not want to lose out on the audience… I would rather they come together and see the film peacefully.” This is the director’s explanation of the decision, distinct from the reported account of the CBFC’s suggested edits.
Scroll reported that the Brahmin Federation objected that the film promoted casteism and portrayed Brahmins negatively. Its president, Anand Dave, described the story as one-sided and said: “We are not against showing the truth, but it should be inclusive. The film could stoke caste-based tensions.” These are the organisation’s stated concerns, not independently established findings about the film.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Original Eros Entertainment DVD
What is confirmed—and what remains unverified?
- Confirmed in the CBFC record: Phule received a U certificate on 21 March 2025.
- Reported contemporaneously: the original 11 April date was postponed, 25 April was announced as the planned date, and proposed changes included caste-related wording and other material.
- Not established by the sources reviewed: whether the film opened on 25 April or another date, and what final version was screened.
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