On Friday night, renowned filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap issued a heartfelt public apology after his controversial remarks about the Brahmin community sparked outrage online and led to widespread criticism, including threats directed at his family. The controversy unfolded amid tensions surrounding his upcoming film Phule, which has already faced backlash from certain caste-based organisations for its sensitive and politically charged subject matter.
Kashyap took to Instagram to share a long and emotional note addressing the controversy. He 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.” He added that his family has never commented on public matters, and therefore it is unfair that they are being targeted for something he alone said. “If you want to abuse someone, direct it at me. My family has neither said anything nor do they ever speak out,” he emphasized.
The row began when Kashyap reacted sharply to a casteist comment on social media. A user had written, “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).” In response, Kashyap wrote, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem? (I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?)” The comment immediately triggered intense backlash, with many calling it hate speech and demanding action against him.
In his apology, he acknowledged the impact of his words but clarified that they were a reaction to years of casteist abuse he has faced online. “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,” he wrote, trying to bring focus back to dialogue and decency.
Kashyap’s upcoming film Phule—starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa—depicts the pioneering work of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, who fought against caste oppression and worked tirelessly to uplift the marginalized in 19th-century India. The film has been highly anticipated for its powerful theme of social justice but has drawn criticism from groups like the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, who have alleged that the movie maligns Brahminical traditions.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had suggested changes to the film following these objections, which the filmmakers reportedly incorporated. To ensure there is no misunderstanding about the film’s intent, the team decided to postpone the release, originally set for April 11. They have also expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with community representatives. The new release date is April 25.
Kashyap, known for his unapologetically bold and gritty filmmaking, has always been vocal on issues of caste, inequality, and social reform, often through his films and interviews. This latest incident has, however, reignited the debate on whether outrage against casteism can itself cross into offensive generalizations, and where the line between provocation and hate speech lies.
Meanwhile, civil society, fans, and critics remain divided. While some see Kashyap’s anger as a reflection of the frustration many feel when speaking against entrenched caste hierarchies, others believe that such statements can be counterproductive and inflame social tensions. The debate also underlines the fraught space filmmakers occupy when they try to address caste issues in India, navigating between creative freedom, social sensitivity, and political correctness.
As Phule heads for its rescheduled theatrical release, it’s clear that the controversy has placed even more attention on the film. Whether this results in a larger public conversation on caste-based discrimination—or further polarisation—remains to be seen.
