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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Phule OTT Release Update: Where to watch Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa's social biographical thriller online
Phule OTT Release Update: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa recently headlined this biographical drama, which arrived in the theatres amid massive backlash. Released theatrically on 25th April this year, this thriller was based on the lives of activists Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. For the ones who are OTT lovers, Phule will be streaming on ZEE5 after its theatrical run concludes, as per a Jagran report. Phule's cast and crew Directed by Anant Mahadevan and jointly produced by Dancing Shiva Films Kingsmen Productions Films and Zee Studios, Phule is cinematographed by Sunita Radia and edited by Raunak Phadnis. Other than the lead duo, this Rohan-Rohan musical also stars Vinay Pathak, Suresh Vishwakarma, Sushil Pandey, Vishal Tiwari, Joy Sengupta, Amit Behl, Akshaya Gurav, Jayesh More, Dhanjay Madrekar, Darsheel Safary, Asit Redij, Abhinav Patekar, Akanksha Gade, Abhinav Singh Raghav, Alexx O'Nell and Ellie among others. Phule's plot overview Phule begins in plague-stricken Pune in 1897, where the death of Savitribai Phule (Patralekhaa) sets off a journey into the past. The story traces her early years learning under her husband, Jyotiba Phule (Pratik Gandhi), who becomes a fierce advocate for education as a tool to fight caste oppression. Together, they begin teaching children from marginalised communities, particularly girls, facing violent resistance from orthodox Brahmins and Jyotiba's own family. As opposition grows, Jyotiba parts ways with his father and, with the support of allies like Usman Sheikh and Fatima, expands their mission to include widow rehabilitation. With no backing from the British, Jyotiba funds their work by selling his family property. Phule captures the couple's unyielding struggle against social injustice, charting a path of courage, sacrifice, and reform in the face of systemic resistance. Phule's review The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5, and a part of their review read, 'Phule' is, in many ways, an unflinching film that confronts some deeply uncomfortable truths about 19th-century Indian society under British rule. What makes Phule particularly compelling is its understated storytelling. The film avoids melodrama and instead unfolds in a natural, lived-in manner. 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.'
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No ripped jeans, shorts, sleeveless clothes in Kolhapur's Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba temples
Kolhapur: The renowned Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) and Jyotiba temples have implemented restrictions on visitors wearing revealing attire. The Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti has said that devotees wearing ripped jeans, see-through clothing, shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless garments will not be allowed in the regulation follows similar dress code implementations across various Maharashtra temples, including the Shri Tulja Bhavani temple in Tuljapur, where the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh introduced measures to preserve temple secretary Shivraj Naikawade explained this decision stemmed from devotees' requests, noting that visitors in casual attire appeared inappropriate within temple grounds. The primary aim is to ensure visitors maintain cultural appropriateness while at these sacred clarified that while the dress code was initially established in 2021, its enforcement had become lenient, leading to complaints about inappropriate attire. He said, "We have asked the shop operators to make 'Sovala' available to visitors, who arrive without being aware of the dress code. We are going to make the Sovala available to the visitors. Those who deny wearing Sovala or decent clothes will not be allowed to take darshan."Sovala comprises traditional attire: Dhoti and uparna (a shawl-like garment) for men, and non-transparent saree for women. This dress code, mandatory for priests entering the sanctum and devotees participating in abhishek puja, represents sacred temple activist and devotee Dilip Desai said, "There is nothing new in the decision. It was in place earlier, and devotees usually follow the dress code. Those who wear revealing clothes are not permitted. I think the announcement is made again to divert attention from issues, mainly the inability of the administration to provide facilities, starting from drinking water to sanitation to parking for the visitors. If issues like the dress code are raked up regularly, then people forget the other inconveniences they face on the temple premises."
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Phule Movie Review: A stirring tribute to India's pioneers of social justice
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.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Phule movie review: A middling, talky period drama about a remarkable revolutionary couple
Phule movie review: In the 19th century Maharashtra, Jyoti Rao Phule and his wife Savitri Bai lit the flame of female education and all-round empowerment at a time when girls were married off when they were barely more than children, forced to bear and rear their own children for the rest of their lives. In an early scene, we see little Savitri learn how to read with the help of the much-older Jyotiba, and how that changed her, and made her aware of her world. The release of this bio-pic, whose opening credits claim that it is based on detailed research, was delayed because of ruffled Brahmin feathers, but nothing in it feels like a figment of the filmmakers' imagination. It feels like an accurate if sanitised representation of social realities of that time, during which the British were playing their own crafty games of keeping the 'natives' in check, by using the rampant caste discrimination to keep dividng and ruling while holding out the carrot of conversion to Christianity. The powerful, wealthy Brahmins of Poona in the 1840s are shown as the torchbearers of the ways the 'untouchables' could be kept in their place: segregating their living spaces and the wells they drew their water from, forcing them to wear a broom so that they can sweep the path behind them, and several other well-documented practices. The film has brief scenes touching upon these, including one in which dung is thrown at Jyotiba and partner-in-crime Fatima Shaikh (Akshaya Gurav). 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. Vinay Pathak as Jyotiba's father, and Sushil Pandey as the older brother, both dead set against rocking the boat, show up as and when necessary. Darsheel Safary, the little boy of 'Taare Zameen Par', is here as the Phules' adopted son. Joy Sengupta makes a meal of his enraged Brahmin, stepping back from Jyotiba's 'impure' shadow, and attacking the couple at the drop of his traditional headgear, in the name of 'dharm' and 'pratha'. The two hour plus run time feels like a stretch, cramming so many events — plagues, famines, the 1857 mutiny, the French revolution, Abraham Lincoln's abolition of slavery — that it begins feeling a cursory compilation of headlines. If there hadn't been such a pointless fuss made around its subject, 'Phule' would have come off exactly as it is, a middling, talky period drama about a remarkable revolutionary couple which set much-needed reforms in motion. Watch Phule movie trailer: But despite everything, the film is important. The Phules, who belonged to the 'dabey kuchley varg' themselves, fought for the right to be called 'Dalit', not 'achoot' (specific names of the 'varna' and 'jaati' appear to have been dropped in the film), and many changes have happened since. But casteism and discrimination are alive and well even today: perhaps 'Phule' can add to the growing discussion around these evils.
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First Post
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Phule movie review: Pratik Gandhi & Patralekhaa starrer biographical drama is beautiful, poignant and heart touching
Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has brilliantly crafted the biographical drama of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule as the movie showcases the precious contribution of the couple, which played a crucial role in making India a progressive country. read more Star cast: Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa, Vinay Pathak, Sushil Pandey, Darsheel Safary, Suresh Vishwakarma, Joysen Gupta, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Behl, Akshaya Gurav and Jayesh More Director: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan After facing controversies and headlines, Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer Phule has finally hit the screens today. Based on the life of social activist, businessman, anti-caste social reformer and writer, Jyotirao Phule aka Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule (the first female teacher of India), the biographical drama showcases the couple's contributions to social reform and education in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the trailer looked promising due to the nuanced acts of the lead cast, does it manage to impress the audience? Let's find out… The plot starts in 1897 in Poona (now Pune), where villagers are scared due to the bubonic plague and are taken to medical camps by Britishers. In a panic, Savitribai Phule (played by Patralekhaa), without any fear or hesitation, carries a kid and takes him to the camp. Cut to 1848, young Jyotiba Phule ( Pratik Gandhi) is teaching English to his wife Savitri, which is not only liked by the upper caste or surroundings but also by his father Govind Phule (Vinay Pathak). Jyotiba secretly goes to his upper caste friend's house along with Savitribai to educate young girls. But soon the upper caste people reach that place and destroy all the study material. Later, all the Brahmins warn Jyotiba through Panchayat to stop educating girls as it is insulting Indian culture and tradition and accepting the slavery of Britishers. To avoid any trouble for his father and elder brother, Jyotiba and Savitribai leave their home and go to Usman's house, who is Phule's school friend. As they realize that people are not comfortable sending girls to schools because there are no female teachers, Savitribai Phule and Usman's sister Fatima get professional training and thus emerge as female teachers of India. On 15th May 1849, a small open school was started by Savitribai and Fatima with 30 girls and by 1852, the number of schools reached 20. While the problem of girl education is slowly and steadily being solved, Jyotiba realizes the condition of Shudras (lower caste) and widows is still miserable due to regressive and orthodox traditions implemented by the upper caste. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On 24th September 1873, Jyotiba starts the Satyashodhak Samaj to fight for the equal rights of the lower caste and combat caste discrimination. The couple also tackled the Great Famine in India, which was triggered due to drought in 1876 and solved it with great will and determination. For the upliftment of the Shudras (Dalits) and for spreading progressive thoughts including widow remarriage, Phule was bestowed with the title of Mahatma on May 11, 1888. Till the demise of the couple, Jyotiba and Savitribai gave their heart, soul and everything for the reformation of the country and making a place where girls can be educated with free minds and no fear. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has brilliantly crafted the biographical drama of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule as the movie beautifully showcases the precious contribution of the couple, which played a crucial role in making India a progressive country. Ananth takes you to that era and makes you part of Jyotiba and Savitirbai's struggles, hardships and triumphs. While Sunita Radia has done a good job as DoP, Raunak Phadnis' editing is good but could have been a bit crisper in the second half. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talking about the performances, Pratik delivers a stellar act as Jyotiba and his sincerity in portraying this great soul is visible in every frame. Patralekhaa too gives an eye-pleasing emotional performance and makes a special place in your heart. Supporting cast including Vinay Pathak, Sushil Pandey, Suresh Vishwakarma, Joysen Gupta, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Behl, Akshaya Gurav and Jayesh More have played their roles perfectly. Special mention for Taare Zameen Par actor Darsheel Safary, who played Jyotiba and Savitribai's adopted son Yashwant with innocence and finesse. On the whole, Phule is a must-watch for all the Indians as it is a beautiful tribute to Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars) Phule is playing in cinemas
