Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the center of yet another controversy – this time over remarks made about the Brahmin community. The uproar began during an ongoing debate around his upcoming film Phule, when he responded to a user on X with a provocative comment saying he would “urinate on Brahmins.” The statement triggered widespread outrage and led to multiple police complaints.
In the midst of the backlash, Kashyap has claimed that his family has been receiving rape and death threats. Addressing the situation in a lengthy note, he offered what appeared to be more of a sharp retort than a full apology, stating that no comment or action is worth the threats his loved ones are now facing.
“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. So, 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 (sic),” Kashyap wrote on Instagram.
He continued, “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 (sic).”
The backlash started after Kashyap responded to a social media user who stated, “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) (sic),” Kashyap replied, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem? (I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?) (sic).”
Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, is a highly anticipated biopic that highlights the pioneering efforts of the Phule couple against caste and gender inequality in 19th-century India.
Originally set for an April 11 release, the film faced objections from groups like the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal. After incorporating CBFC-recommended changes, the makers postponed the release to April 25 to engage in dialogue and clarify that the film contains no objectionable content.
