Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the center of a growing controversy following a provocative remark directed at the Brahmin community during an online exchange. The statement, made in the context of defending his upcoming film Phule, has triggered legal action, public condemnation, and political outrage across the country.
The Comment That Sparked It All
The controversy began when Kashyap, responding to online criticism over Phule, made a fiery remark during a heated social media exchange. After a user commented, “Brahmins are your father,” Kashyap replied with: “Brahmin pe main mootoonga… koi problem?” (I’ll urinate on Brahmins… any problem?). The statement quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from across social and political spectrums.
Legal and Social Fallout
Soon after, legal complaints were filed in multiple locations. In Jaipur, an FIR was registered at Bajaj Nagar police station based on a complaint by Anil Chaturvedi, citing the comment as derogatory and abusive toward Brahmins. Actress Gehana Vasisth also filed a police complaint in Mumbai, calling for legal action against the filmmaker for hurting religious sentiments.
Voices of Condemnation
Kashyap’s remark sparked reactions from several public figures. Lyricist Manoj Muntashir responded with a video listing prominent Brahmin leaders and intellectuals, calling the filmmaker’s views hateful and divisive. Actress Payal Ghosh joined the chorus, demanding that the industry boycott Kashyap for what she called “unforgivable hate speech.”
Even political leaders chimed in. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi acknowledged caste privilege but firmly rejected abusive language. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey took a more aggressive stance, branding Kashyap a “vile scumbag” and demanding a public apology.
Kashyap Responds
Amid mounting pressure, Anurag Kashyap took to Instagram to issue a formal apology. While he stood by the original context of his post, he admitted that one specific line was “a mistake.” Expressing regret over the consequences faced by his family, he wrote, “No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends, and colleagues getting rape and death threats… Itna sanskaar toh rakho.” (At least have that much decency.)
About the Film Phule
At the heart of this firestorm lies Phule, a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, known for their revolutionary efforts against caste oppression and gender discrimination. Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, the film has already faced objections from sections of the Brahmin community even before its release.
The Larger Conversation
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and community sensitivities in India’s pluralistic society. As the debate around Phule continues, Kashyap’s statement—and the backlash it triggered—has reignited conversations around caste, privilege, and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping discourse.
