Anurag Kashyap Stokes Row With 'I Will Urinate On Brahmins' Remark Amid ‘Phule’ Movie Controversy

Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again found himself embroiled in a national controversy following remarks directed at sections of the Brahmin community.

His comments have reignited heated discussions surrounding the upcoming biopic on social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, reported The News Minute.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Dispute Over Historical Accuracy

Kashyap's remarks come amid his criticism of both the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and certain Brahmin groups.

The film in question, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule, was initially set to release on April 11 but has now been postponed to April 25 due to widespread protests.

The delay stems from objections raised by segments of the Brahmin community in Maharashtra, who claim the film distorts historical facts-sparking further debate.

Taking to Instagram, Kashyap shared his blunt thoughts:

"Meri zindagi ka pehla natak Jyotiba aur Savitribai Phule pe tha. Bhai agar casteism nahin hota is desh mein toh unko kya zaroorat thi ladne ki. Ab ye Brahmin log ko sharam aa rahi hai ya wo sharam mein mare ja rahe hain ya phir ek alag Brahmin Bharat mein jee rahe hain jo hum dekh nahin paa rahe hain, ch**a kaun hai koi to samjhave."

("The first play I ever performed in was on Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. If casteism didn't exist in this country, why would they have needed to fight it? Now these Brahmin groups are either ashamed, dying of shame, or living in some alternate Brahmin-only India we can't see. Someone please explain-who's the real fool here?")

CBFC Censorship and Social Backlash

The CBFC granted the film a 'U' certificate on April 7, but only after enforcing several cuts. Edits included removing caste references such as 'Mahar', 'Mang', and 'Peshwai', and changing the phrase "3,000 saal purani ghulami" (3,000-year-old slavery) to "kai saal purani ghulami" (several years old slavery).

Director Ananth Mahadevan confirmed the changes, further fuelling the controversy.

Kashyap didn't hold back on Instagram, questioning censorship and inconsistencies in releasing socially sensitive films. Referencing 'Dhadak 2' and another film 'Santosh', he wrote: "Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi... Dhadak 2 ki screening mein censor board ne bola, Modi ji ne india mein caste system khatam kar diya hai. Usi aadhar pe Santosh bhi india mein release nahin hui. Ab Brahmin ko problem hai Phule se. Bhaiya, jab caste system hi nahin hai to kahe ka Brahmin. Kaun ho aap. Aap ki kyon sulag rahi hai."

("Brothers, decide together whether casteism exists in India or not. During the Dhadak 2 screening, the censor board said Prime Minister Modi had abolished casteism in India. Based on that, Santosh couldn't release either. Now, Brahmins have an issue with Phule. Brother, if there is no caste system, what even is a Brahmin? Who are you, and why are you so offended?")

Caste Discourse and Wider Debate

Kashyap continued his critique, questioning the current caste narrative in India by referencing historical context:

"Jab caste system tha nahin toh Jyotiba Phule aur Savitri Bai kyon the. Ya toh aap ka bahmnism exist hi nahin karta kyon ki Modi jinke hisaab se india mein caste system nahin hai? Ya sab log milke sab ko c*****a bana rahe ho. Bhai mil ke decide kar lo. India mein casteism hai ya nahi. Log chutiya nahin hain. Aap Brahmin log ho ya phir aap ke baap hain jo upar baithe hain. Decide kar lo."

("If casteism didn't exist, why did Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule exist? Either your Brahminism doesn't exist because according to Modi, casteism doesn't exist in India-or everyone is being made a fool of. Decide once and for all whether casteism exists in India. People aren't fools. Are you Brahmins or are the people running things your bosses? Make up your minds.")

Reactions and Continuing Debate

Kashyap's fiery posts have sparked intense debate online and offline, prompting both support and backlash.

His words have reignited discussions about representation in cinema, caste politics, and the role of censorship in modern India.

The fallout from his statements continues to unfold, with both supporters and critics weighing in on the broader implications for free speech, historical discourse, and caste realities in the country today.