Phule Movie Review: A stirring tribute to India's pioneers of social justice

Time of India

25-04-2025

Story: This biographical drama traces the inspiring journey of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, a visionary couple who spearheaded transformative social reforms during British-ruled India.
Review: 'Phule' is, in many ways, an unflinching film that confronts some deeply uncomfortable truths about 19th-century Indian society under British rule. It portrays an era when education for the girl child was virtually non-existent, widows were subjected to rigid societal restrictions, and the Dalit community faced systemic discrimination at the hands of upper-caste Brahmins. From a cinematic standpoint, this biographical drama refrains from sensationalism. It avoids artificial narrative highs and instead opts for a grounded, realistic tone. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan delivers a competent effort, capturing the pioneering social reforms led by Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. The film is a sincere, restrained tribute to India's first and perhaps most courageous social reformers.
The story begins in 1897, with the bubonic plague sweeping through Pune, leading to a mass exodus and eventually claiming the life of Savitribai Phule (Patralekhaa). From this tragic point, the narrative shifts into flashback, taking us to Savitribai's early years as a curious young girl being educated by her husband, Jyotiba (Pratik Gandhi). Witnessing the rampant caste oppression in his village, Jyotiba realizes that education, particularly for the girl child, is the first step toward social change. He begins by teaching children from oppressed communities, including girls. Their efforts, however, are met with fierce resistance—from upper-caste Brahmins who resort to vandalism and from Jyotiba's own father, Govindrao (Vinay Pathak), who disapproves of his way of bringing social reforms. Undeterred, Jyotiba leaves home and, with the help of his friend Usman Sheikh and Usman's sister Fatima, continues his mission to educate. Their movement gradually expands to include the rehabilitation of widows. While the British administration acknowledges their efforts, it offers no financial support. A determined Jyotiba sells his share of family property to keep their work alive. Later, the growing discomfort among orthodox factions leads to legal challenges.
Pratik Gandhi delivers an internalized and compelling performance as Jyotiba Phule. His portrayal is subtle and sincere, bringing a quiet intensity to the reformer's character. Vinay Pathak, as Jyotiba's conservative father, makes a strong impact despite limited screen time. Joy Sengupta brings authenticity to his role as the upper-caste antagonist. But it is Patralekhaa who shines the brightest—her portrayal of Savitribai is immersive and powerful, capturing the reformer's resilience and empathy with striking clarity. The film also excels in its visual authenticity, with cinematography that convincingly recreates the textures and atmosphere of 19th-century Maharashtra.
What makes 'Phule' particularly compelling is its understated storytelling. The film avoids melodrama and instead unfolds in a natural, lived-in manner. Sequences such as the upper-caste Brahmins avoiding Jyotiba's shadow or the courtroom exchange where Jyotiba questions a lawyer about his barber are quietly powerful, leaving an impression. The film succeeds in highlighting the extraordinary contributions of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule in reforming Indian society. One could argue that the film might have been more aptly titled 'Phules,' as Savitribai's role, if not greater, is certainly at par with that of her husband.