Phule review: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha shine in this sincere but dull re-telling of the legendary reformer couple

Helmed by Ananth Mahadevan, Phule is a biographical drama based on the life of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who struggled relentlessly to uplift and educate women and oppressed communities in pre-independent India. 

As a girl navigating the challenges of the world with the privilege of education and independence, I always carry a deep sense of respect and gratitude for all those who champion the cause of education and equality for women alongwith the marginalized sections of our society. The pioneers from the past who lit this important flame of reform amidst the winds of strong hostility have a special place in my heart, especially the legendary Phule couple and their associates as it was because of their unshakable determination and courage that the foundation of the rights and freedom millions of girls like me and people from disadvantaged communities are entitled to today, were laid.  

Hence, Phule, chronicling the lives of these 19th-century social reformers from Maharashtra, who fought against caste discrimination, gender inequality, and social oppression under British colonial rule, was an important watch for me and despite some clear signs of 'imposed sanitisation' the makers were sincere with their intent behind this biopic. 

The film holds a faithful mirror to social realities of that period - the powerful Brahmins of 1840s Poona dominating society and keeping the ‘untouchables’ in check by segregating their living spaces and the wells they drew their water from, forcing them to wear a broom so that they can clean the street behind them, and the British administration using this divide to strengthen their hold in the country and using it to promote their agenda of conversion to Christianity under the guise of helping and uplifting the marginalised. These facts are well-documented, however, the over simplified narration and slow pacing makes the viewing experience dull and sometimes lethargic. 

Also Read: CBFC’s tryst with caste-based films raises bigger questions: Storytelling or sanitisation?

Watch the trailer here!

The two hour plus run time feels unnecessary and the story’s attempt to mention almost every significant event until that period like the plagues, famines, the 1857 revolution, the French revolution, Abraham Lincoln’s abolition of slavery felt like listening to a history audiobook of 8th grade where all events are cramped to create material just enough for a 100 mark semester exam. Phule would have been more effective without all this and the preachy dialogues surrounding it. 

Pratik Gandhi (Jyotirao Phule) and Patralekha (Savitribai Phule) do justice to their characters, looking extremely fiery and convincing as the legendary reformers. Patralekha has been given more power packed scenes depicting her pushback against oppression. A scene where she shows a man his place when he tries to intimidate her and her associate Fatima Shaikh for educating girls will make the audience, especially the women, cheer the loudest. The face-off between Jyotirao and Pune's upper caste men over the ‘impure’ shadow that he casts in their path is another scene to watch out for. Vinay Pathak as Jyotiba’s conservative father, and Sushil Pandey as the regressive older brother, show up as and when necessary and lend decent support to the film.

Phule carries tell-tale signs of alterations instructed by the Central Board of Film Certification in a number of scenes with the muting of caste references in 14-year-old Mukta Salve's famous essay being the most apparent. However, the shadow scene along with the one in which cow dung is hurled at Savitribai by a Brahmin boy are part of the film despite the controversy that caused the delay of the release. 

Having said that, Phule despite its shortcomings is an important film. It renews your sense of pride and responsibility towards the causes they weathered every storm for and makes you understand the rot that social evils like casteism, patriarchy and communalism are capable of causing to the fabric of our society. 

Phule is now showing in cinema halls near you!

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