Anurag Kashyap has issued a public apology after sparking controversy with a remark connected to the ongoing Phule debate. Taking to his official Instagram handle, the acclaimed filmmaker wrote, “No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, or friends.” The Gangs of Wasseypur director faced severe backlash for his statement in which he controversially remarked that he would “urinate on the Brahmins.”
Anurag Kashyap's public apology
In his apology, Anurag stated, “This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends, and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar. What has been said cannot be taken back — and I won’t take it back. But if you want to abuse someone, direct it at me. My family has neither said anything nor do they ever speak out.”
He further added, “So if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology. Brahmins, please spare the women — even the scriptures teach this much decency, not just Manusmriti. Decide for yourselves what kind of Brahmins you truly are. As for me, I offer my apology.”
For those unversed, the controversy ignited when Anurag Kashyap responded to a social media user who commented, “Brahmins tumhare baap hain. Jitna tumhari unse sulgegi utna tumhari sulgaayenge (Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you).” To this, Kashyap replied, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem? (I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?)”
About the Phule Controversy
The incident stems from ongoing debates surrounding the release of the upcoming film Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa. The biopic highlights the revolutionary work of the Phule couple, who challenged caste and gender inequality in 19th-century India.
Initially slated for release on April 11, 2025, the film faced objections from the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal over alleged content concerns. The Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended modifications, which the makers incorporated.
To further clarify the film’s intent and reassure audiences, the makers postponed the release by two weeks to engage in dialogue with objecting groups. Phule will now release on April 25, 2025.