Priyanka Tiwari
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Kashyap has shared an emotional apology on social platforms which comes after social backlash and threats to his family and close friends owing to his comment on the ongoing controversy revolving the biopic ‘Phule,’ depicting the life of social reformer Jyotirao Phule.
Social media has been set abuzz with Kashyap’s answer to a user’s taunt which read, “I would urinate on Brahmins, any problem?” Later on, public outrage took form of filing an FIR in Mumbai and accusing him of disrespectful comments against the Brahmin community.
While an apology was put forth by in Instagram, it did not retract any anger the filmmaker seemed to carry.
“Apology that for some reason is often extended to celebs, especially men: 'If I hurt you in my truth, then I am sorry,'” Kashyap explained his motives as he deviated from the grand narrative. In reality, the explanation surrounding the reasoning does seem to hold as per Kashyap: “This is my apology, not for my post…”
He switched to Hindi and said with a smirk:
“I will not retract my statements. Bother me as much as you like. My family chose to remain silent. If an apology is necessary, then in that case, Brahmins, kindly leave the women unscathed.”
Kashyap also pointed out the difference between Brahminical values of older texts and what he called ‘Manuwaad’ and urged the community to think deeply about which side they stand for.
Legal Action and Social Media Fallout
Everything started when a user commented, ‘Brahmins are your fathers, the more you mess with them the more they will burn you,’ and to this comment, Kashyap gave his infamous reply. The director also brought this particular screenshot to public notice and shared it.
After the director’s response, a police complaint was lodged by a Bombay High Court advocate, which only intensified media attention towards the issue.
‘Phule’ Faces Delays Amid Caste-Based Protests
The anger coincides with the protests organized against the film Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi alongside Patralekha. This biopic focuses on the life of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule who were foremost in establishing social justice, education, and gender equality in India during the 19th century.
The film's release date was changed from April 11 to April 25 because of protests of Brahmin groups and intervention by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which required caste references to be removed. The film will now be released on April 25 after the requisite changes have been made.
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