Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his outspoken criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a section of the Brahmin community over censorship issues related to the film Phule. After facing severe backlash, the director issued a statement on Instagram addressing the threats directed at his family and clarifying his stance.
What did Anurag Kashyap say?
In a heartfelt note shared on social media, Anurag Kashyap declared that he stands by his original comments and has no intention of retracting them. He clarified, however, that his apology is not for his post but for a specific comment that he says was taken out of context.
“This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends, and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar (cultural values),” Kashyap wrote.
Criticism over viral comment
The controversy escalated after a reply by Kashyap on Instagram went viral, in which he responded to a provocative comment with, “Brahmin pe main m*****a..koi problem (I’ll pee on Brahmins… any problem)?” The filmmaker later addressed the outrage, urging people to consider the context behind his words and condemning those who misuse scriptures to demean others.
Complaint filed against Anurag Kashyap
The remarks have sparked legal trouble for Kashyap. On Friday, a Mumbai-based advocate lodged an official complaint against him, urging the police to register an FIR. The complainant highlighted concerns over Kashyap’s statements posing a potential threat to public order.
I respectfully request @MumbaiPolice to take appropriate legal action and register an FIR against Mr. @anuragkashyap72 for his concerning behavior. If any action or statement by an individual poses a potential threat to public order, it must be addressed as per the due process of… pic.twitter.com/qaoBeUjZSg
— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY 🇮🇳 (@AdvAshutoshBJP) April 18, 2025
As of now, Mumbai Police has not issued an update regarding whether an FIR has been filed.
What is the Phule controversy?
The uproar stems from censorship controversies surrounding Phule, a biographical film based on social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. The CBFC granted the film a ‘U’ certificate on April 7 after asking for multiple edits, including the removal of words like Mang, Mahar, and Peshwai. The release of Phule, originally scheduled for April 11, was delayed to April 25 after members of the Brahmin community raised objections about their portrayal in the film.
As the debate continues, Anurag Kashyap remains firm on his views but has appealed for the safety of his family and associates, urging people to separate personal attacks from ideological debates. Meanwhile, Phule prepares for its rescheduled release amid ongoing discussions about censorship, caste, and representation in cinema.