CBFC Faces Backlash Over Heavy-Handed Censorship of Period Drama Film “Phule”

Mumbai, April 10, 2025 – The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has once again come under fire for its strict and arbitrary censorship practices, this time delaying the release of the much-anticipated film Phule starring Pratik Gandhi. The biopic on the life of social reformer Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule was shelved after the CBFC demanded extensive edits, including the removal of caste-related references and dialogues, sparking outrage among filmmakers, activists and audiences alike.

Officially, the CBFC issued a certification for Phule on January 19, 2025, with a runtime of 129.59 minutes. However, the board mandated a series of modifications, outlined in a detailed excision list. These include:

• At the beginning of the film, the disclaimer duration was increased by 0.20 seconds to ensure readability.
• Visuals of a man carrying a broom were replaced with a scene showing boys throwing cow dung balls at Savitribai Phule.
• The line “Jahan kshudro ko… jhaad bandhkar chalna chahiye” was changed to “Kya yahi hamari… sabse doori banake rakhani chahiye,” softening the reference to caste oppression.
• “3000 saal purani… gulami” was modified to “Kai saal purani hain,” diluting the historical specificity.
• The statement “Peshvai asti tar… hath pair alag karva dethe” was changed to “Nasib accha tha rajeshahi hoti na… hath pair alag kar dethe tumhare,” avoiding direct reference to Peshwa rule.
• Words such as “Mang” and “Mahar” were replaced with “Aise choti choti” across timestamps 00:31:28:00 and 00:36:32:00. Additionally, a word was reported missing at 01:04:15:00.
• The entire voice-over referencing the caste system under Manu Maharaj was replaced. The original line “Aabadi hain Aabad… aur unka jivan sarthak hoga” was altered to “Aabadi hain Aabad nahi… azhadi ki,” shifting the narrative focus.
• The year mentioned in the subtitles was corrected to match the spoken dialogue in the film.
• A 43-second segment between 01:34:27:00 and 01:35:10:00 was deleted. It included the line “Yaha 3 Mahil… Aur hum vahi karne ja rahe hain.”
• The filmmakers submitted the required certificate from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
• Supporting documents for historical references made in the film were submitted to the CBFC..
• The word “Caste” in the subtitles was changed to “Varna”, aligning with a more culturally specific terminology.

As per an India Today report, the controversy started when reports emerged that the CBFC’s demands were influenced by concerns raised by the Brahmin community. This led to allegations that the board was bowing to pressure from specific interest groups rather than upholding artistic freedom or historical accuracy. The film’s release, scheduled for earlier this year, has been postponed indefinitely, leaving the production team, including director Prakash Jha, in a dilemma.

Critics argue that the CBFC’s action reflects a disturbing pattern of censorship that stifles stories that challenge social norms. Scroll.in‘s report highlighted how the board’s focus on removing caste references undermines the core essence of Phule, a story centred on Phule’s fight against caste-based oppression. Similarly, Livemint pointed out the irony of a delay in a film that seeks to celebrate the legacy of a reformer, suggesting that the CBFC’s edits are less about legal compliance and more about appeasing certain sections of society.

Filmmakers and social activists have condemned the CBFC’s approach, calling it an overreach that stifles creative expression. The list, which shows no significant duration changes despite extensive editing (the total deleted, replaced and inserted timings is 00:00), further fuels suspicions about the board’s intentions. Some speculate that the lack of measurable cuts may be a symbolic gesture to appease critics while avoiding legal scrutiny.

This delay has also given rise to a wider debate about the role of the CBFC in Indian cinema. The film’s producers have been submitting appropriate documentation for historical context, but the board’s insistence on changes seems unfair to many. While the industry awaits further developments, the Phule controversy is a stark reminder of the ongoing tension between censorship and the right to tell stories that reflect India’s complex social fabric. Unless the CBFC amends its stance, Jyotirao Phule’s legacy will continue to be a target of bureaucratic encroachment.

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Rabnish KashyapFounder & Editor-in-chief

Rabnish Kashyap is a journalist holding a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the prestigious Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. Currently, he is the founder and editor-in-chief of the News India official. His expertise in crime and legal journalism is a result of his genuine interest in these areas and his dedication to bringing important stories to light.

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