'Phule' gets positive reviews amid censorship row: Netizens say Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa-starrer rewrote history

The much-anticipated film 'Phule', starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, has finally been released in theatres. The movie, which was originally scheduled to hit screens on April 10, faced delays due to legal complications surrounding its theme. However, it had a smooth release today (April 25).
Following the unexpected delay, the film is now receiving decent reviews on social media, with users sharing their early reactions.
Many viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions and encouraged others to watch the film. One social media user wrote, “They didn’t just fight injustice—they rewrote history! #Phule is a powerful tribute to Jyotiba & Savitribai—India’s OG changemakers. From classrooms to caste battles, their legacy roars on screen! Witness the fire. Feel the fight. #PhuleTheFilm #SupportPhuleTheFilm.”

Another user praised the film's theme, stating, “When this #Phule is facing so much opposition today, imagine how much resistance Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule would have encountered 175 years ago. How difficult it must have been to open and run a school for girls, and to fight for equal rights for Shudras. Such films should be encouraged—by the government and the public alike.”

A third user commented, “You must watch the film to understand how people with patriarchal mindsets try to suppress women. The Phule couple opened a school—imagine how challenging it must have been to advocate for the Shudras’ right to equality. Such films deserve support, including from the government. Promote them. #Phule.”

'Phule' revisits the relentless struggle of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule against caste-based discrimination and their pioneering efforts in promoting women's education in 19th-century India.

Director Anant Mahadevan had earlier addressed the controversy regarding the film’s delayed release. He confirmed that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had requested certain cuts after some members of the Brahmin community raised concerns about the film’s theme.