'Silent boycott': 'Phule' director slams IFFI for snubbing film
What's the story
Filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of his biopic Phule from the schedule of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was released on April 25. It tells the story of social reformer Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai's fight against casteism and their advocacy for women's education in 19th-century India.
Director's reaction
Mahadevan expressed anger, helplessness over 'Phule's exclusion
Mahadevan told Mid-Day, "I feel angry, pained, and helpless. A government-sponsored festival like IFFI sidelined Phule despite it being an honest film with credible actors." He also pointed out that Homebound, a film that deals with casteism in contemporary India, was chosen as India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards while his film was not selected for the Oscars either.
Selection process
Mahadevan questioned the selection process for IFFI
Mahadevan further questioned the selection process for IFFI, stating, "Phule was not selected for the Oscars either. This is the original caste revolution that happened in India." "When you have cinema of a scale like that of Phule including solid performances and the relevance of [its subject] to contemporary times it [being overlooked] is sad." "There are 26 films in the Indian Panorama section. Are you saying it does not deserve a chance among 26 movies?"
Government support
Mahadevan lamented lack of government support for 'Phule'
Mahadevan also lamented the lack of government support for Phule. He said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the bicentenary but not once when the film was released." "He could have supported it by making it tax-free. Not a single state government gave Phule a tax-free status." "The producers had applied for it and were promised but it didn't come true."