I recently watched Phule in a Delhi theatre, but the nearly empty theatre was disheartening. The few young men seated nearby were more engrossed in conversation than the film, which I found disruptive. This reflects a broader tragedy in our society: while films featuring superstars are celebrated, meaningful cinema like Phule, with its strong social and political relevance, struggles to find an audience. One of the reasons is the hero worship in India, where actors are glorified as demigod-like figures, often at the expense of a film’s quality and aesthetic depth. The audience’s sensibilities remain underdeveloped as they are fed low-quality films that prioritize glamour over substance. Writers, directors, and technicians have become secondary to the commercial dominance of money and heroes, which harm the very soul of cinema.
Phule is an exceptional film with a powerful social message, making it a must-watch for every Indian. It tells the true story of Jyotirao Phule, Maharashtra’s first social reformer and India’s first ‘Mahatma’ (great soul), and his wife, Savitribai Phule. Set in the early 19th century, the film depicts an era when casteism and gender discrimination were rampant. Women were denied education, their sole purpose reduced to bearing children. The Brahmin community largely upheld these oppressive norms, though a few risked their lives to educate girls. Jyotirao, a learned man from his community, and Savitribai spearheaded a revolutionary movement to educate girls, sacrificing their reputation and safety in the process.
Inspired by the French Revolution and global social movements, Jyotirao tried to demolish a system that denied justice to lower castes and women. His unwavering enthusiasm and fight against societal evils, alongside Savitribai, form the heart of the film. Branded as anti-national and a divider of Hindus by Brahmins for his reformative work, Jyotirao’s struggles mirror India’s current social challenges. While much has changed, progress remains slow, and we cannot yet claim to be a just society where Dalits and women are treated equally. Jyotirao’s words—that there will always be forces dividing society by religion and caste, but we must remain honest and work positively—Echo strongly. This message is especially relevant in modern India, where polarization driven by religion, caste, and creed is exploited for political gain.
Pratik Gandhi delivers an outstanding performance as Jyotirao Phule, while Patralekha shines as Savitribai Phule. Writer-director Ananth Mahadevan’s brilliant script and masterful direction elevate Phule into a cinematic masterpiece. I appreciate Mahadevan’s courage and conviction for creating such a film in an era when India’s social and political fabric is falling apart due to propaganda, hatred, and division. Phule is a powerful reminder of the need for unity and justice—a film that is not to be missed and cherished.
