Phule (film)
| Phule | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Anant Mahadevan |
| Written by | Anant Mahadevan Muazzam Beg |
| Produced by | Sunil Jain Pranay Chokshi Ritesh Kudecha Jagdish Patel Anuya Chauhan Kudecha Dr. Raj Khaware |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Sunita Radia |
| Edited by | Raunak Phadnis |
| Music by | Rohan-Rohan |
Production companies | Dancing Shiva Films Kingsmen Productions |
| Distributed by | Zee Studios |
Release date |
|
Running time | 129 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | ₹29 crore[1] |
| Box office | ₹6.21 crore[2] |
Phule is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language Biographical film directed by Anant Mahadevan[3] and produced by Dancing Shiva Films Kingsmen Productions Films and Zee Studios. The film is based on the lives of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule.[4] The film stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in titular roles.[5] The film was scheduled to release on 11 April 2025.[6][7] but was postponed to 25 April 2025.[8][9][10]
Cast
[edit]- Pratik Gandhi[11] as Jyotirao Phule
- Patralekha[12] as Savitribai Phule
- Vinay Pathak as Govindrao Phule
- Suresh Vishwakarma as Dr. Vishram Ghole
- Sushil Pandey as Raja Ram Phule (Baba Ji)
- Vishal Tiwari as Tatyasaheb Bhide
- Joy Sengupta as Vinayak Deshpande
- Amit Behl as Punchayat Head Brahmin
- Akshaya Gurav as Fatima Sheikh
- Jayesh More as Usman Sheikh
- Dhanjay Madrekar as Lahuji Raghoji Salve
- Darsheel Safary as Yashwant
- Asit Redij as Vishnupant Thatte
- Abhinav Patekar as Narayan Meghaji Lokhande
- Akanksha Gade as Kashibai
- Abhinav Singh Raghav as Mangal Deshpande
- Alexx O'Nell as Ribbs Johnes
- Ellie as Mrs. Ribbs Johnes
Production
[edit]The biopic on Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule was announced in April 2022, with Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha cast as the lead actors. Directed by Anant Mahadevan, the film aims to depict the couple’s contributions to social reform and education in India.[13] Filming began in April 2023, with key scenes shot to portray the historical narrative.[14] The first look of the film was released on 11 July 2024, showcasing its focus on the reformers.[15] Principal photography was completed by October 2024.[16]
Soundtrack
[edit]| Phule | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 22 April 2025 | ||||
| Recorded | 2024–2025 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 13:06 | ||||
| Language | Hindi | ||||
| Label | Zee Music Company | ||||
| |||||
The music of the film is composed by Rohan-Rohan while lyrics are written by Kausar Munir and Sarosh Asif.[17]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Saathi" | Kausar Munir | Monali Thakur | 4:17 |
| 2. | "Dhun Lagi" | Sarosh Asif | Romy | 4:33 |
| 3. | "Saathi" (Male Version) | Kausar Munir | Rohan Pradhan | 4:16 |
| Total length: | 13:06 | |||
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]The biopic Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was initially scheduled for theatrical release on 11 April 2025, coinciding with the 197th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.[18] However, the release was postponed to 25 April 2025, following objections from a section of the Brahmin community in Maharashtra regarding the film's depiction of their community. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requested the filmmakers to make several edits, including the removal of a voiceover referencing the caste system and specific caste-related terms, as well as modifications to certain dialogues and visuals.[19]
Reception
[edit]Critical Reception
[edit]Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that "Pratik Gandhi is the heart and soul of the film, Patralekhaa serves as the ideal foil and Watch Phule not only because it has something to say but also because of the way it says it—with restraint and integrity."[20] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated 2.5/5 stars and observed that "Both Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha as Jyotiba and Savitribai do justice to their characters, the latter given more fiery oratorial chances in her pushback against oppression."[21] Hemant Waje of rediff.com rated 3.5/5 stars and commented that "In this era of sensationalism, we should appreciate director Anant Mahadevan for treating Phule with composure and not going overboard."[22]
Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India writes in his review that "This biopic is dry and uninspiring. Phule becomes a cinema of formalities, not expressions and ideas. It’s a pity — a film about forward-thinking figures stuck in creatively backwards waters. In this day and age, the zero-gravity chasm between readymade stories and dramatised storytelling is the biggest sci-fi device of our times."[23] Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times gave 3 stars out of 5 and said that "Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa deliver good performances. Overall, Phule is a sincere, important film, dulled by an oversimplistic screenplay and treatment."[24] Abhishek Srivastava of The Times of India rated 3.5/5 stars and said that "Watch ‘Phule’ to witness the inspiring true story of India’s first social reformers who challenged caste and gender norms with courage and conviction."[25]
Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that "On the whole, Phule is a must-watch for all the Indians as it is a beautiful tribute to Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule".[26] Sana Farzeen of India Today rated 3/5 stars and said "Given how little we know of Jyotirao Phule, the first Mahatma of this country, 'Phule' definitely deserves a watch".[27] Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in observed that "The film itself douses the more radical aspects of Phule’s singular achievements. Pratik Gandhi is barely present, Patralekhaa marks her attendance more strongly. And so the film trundles on, from one familiar history lesson to the next."[28] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and written that "Phule may not captivate in the traditional sense of a biopic, but it succeeds in educating and honoring two of India’s most important yet often overlooked reformers. It’s a film that opens your eyes, even if it doesn’t always grip your heart."[29] Critics of Bollywood Hungama gave 2 stars out 5 and said "PHULE tells the story of a legendary social revolutionary and rests on the towering performance of Pratik Gandhi. But the film greatly suffers on account of a weak script and lacklustre direction."[30]
Political Response
[edit]Indian National Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi watched the film During his trip to Patna. In a post, Rahul wrote, "During my Bihar visit today, I watched the movie Phule at Inox Mall in Patna along with local social activists, and it moved me deeply. The path of education, equality, and justice is not easy. The lives, struggles, and ideals of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule can guide our society and nation on this path today."[31][32][33]
References
[edit]- ^ "Phule Box Office Collection | India | Day Wise". The Daily Jagran. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Phule Box Office Collection | India | Day Wise". Bollywood Hungama. 25 April 2025. Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "Phule: Patralekha and Pratik Gandhi Talk About Their Upcoming Film". Jagran TV. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
- ^ "'Phule has a message for modern India'". Deccan Chronicles. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa Unite in Powerful Film 'Phule'". The Times of India. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
- ^ "Phule: Pratik Gandhi And Patralekhaa's Film To Release On This Date". NDTV. 3 January 2025. Archived from the original on 4 January 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer Phule gets postponed, to now release on this date". Bollywood Hungama. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa's Phule Release Gets Delayed; Here's When It Will Hit Theatres". Times Now. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ^ "Meet Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule: India's unsung heroes featured in Ananth Mahadevan's new film". The Week. 24 April 2025. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi On Playing Jyotirao Phule: "It Was Difficult In Many Ways, But Also Incredibly Rewarding"". NDTV. 28 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ^ "Patralekha opens up about the emotional journey of playing Savitribai Phule". IANS live. 27 March 2025. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa to star in Jyotirao Phule-Savitribai Phule biopic". The New Indian Express. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi: As an actor, I am on an exploration journey and there are bound to be failures". The Indian Express. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Phule: First look of Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer is out". Deccan Herald. 11 July 2024. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "It's a wrap for Ananth Narayan Mahadevan's 'Phule'". The Hindu. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Phule (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Jio Saavn. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ "Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa's Phule to be released in April". NDTV. 3 January 2025. Archived from the original on 4 January 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Phule film release postponed, censor board calls for cuts, edits after Brahmin community concerns". India Today. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ Chatterjee, Saibal (25 April 2025). "Phule Review: Pratik Gandhi-Patralekhaa Film Is An Inspiring Tale". NDTV. Archived from the original on 26 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ Gupta, Shubhra (25 April 2025). "Phule movie review: A middling, talky period drama about a remarkable revolutionary couple". The Indian Express.
- ^ Waje, Hemant (25 April 2025). "Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here". rediff.com.
- ^ Desai, Rahul (25 April 2025). "'Phule' Movie Review: Grand Stories, Bland Storytelling". The Hollywood Reporter India. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ Suri, Rishabh (25 April 2025). "Phule movie review: Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa's Savitribai-Jyotiba Phule biopic struggles to rise over dull screenplay". Hindustan Times.
- ^ Srivastava, Abhishek (25 April 2025). "Phule Movie Review : A stirring tribute to India's pioneers of social justice". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ Aaglave, Ganesh (25 April 2025). "Phule movie review: Pratik Gandhi & Patralekhaa starrer biographical drama is beautiful, poignant and heart touching". Firstpost.
- ^ Farzeen, Sana (25 April 2025). "Phule review: Pratik-Patralekhaa's revolutionary film dimmed by dull storytelling". India Today.
- ^ Ramnath, Nandini (25 April 2025). "'Phule' review: A dull biopic of fiery revolutionaries". Scroll.in.
- ^ Sharma, Devesh (25 April 2025). "Phule Movie Review: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa Do Justice to Their Respective Roles". Filmfare.
- ^ Hungama, Bollywood (25 April 2025). "Phule Movie Review: PHULE rests on the towering performance of Pratik Gandhi". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ "Rahul Gandhi ने पटना में देखी 'फुले', फिल्म देखकर हुए भावुक, बोले- न्याय की राह आसान नहीं..." ABP News (in Hindi). 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Rahul Gandhi watches 'Phule' in Patna with Dalit, OBC citizens and activists". National Herald. 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Rahul Gandhi watches 'Phule' at Patna cinema hall". The Print. 15 May 2025.
External links
[edit]- Phule at IMDb
- Phule at Bollywood Hungama