Rating: 4/5 STARS
Starring: Patralekha, Pratik Gandhi, Darsheel Safary
Release Date: 25 April 2025 (India)
Director: Anant Mahadevan
Producer: Pranay Chokshi, Ritesh Kudecha, Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Sunil Jain, Raj Kishore Khaware, Jagdish Patel
Music: Rohan Pradhan and Rohan Gokhale
The life of Mahatma Phule and Savitri Phule is not just another chapter in the history textbooks, it is a real movement. This is something that needed to be on the big screen. A lot of people do not know that the foundation of the things they are fighting for today were laid a long time back. It is important to know the hardships faced by these revolutionaries, so that we can value freedom. We watched as Jyotirao, played with magnetic presence by Pratik Gandhi, and Savitribai, brought to life by Patralekhaa, and were in awe. Their unwavering commitment to educating girls and uplifting the oppressed felt deeply relevant even today.
Plot
Phule follows the audacious journey of Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai in 19th-century India, a time when caste discrimination and gender inequality were rampant. The story begins with the couple’s decision to open India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848, a move that draws fierce opposition from upper-caste Brahmins and even Jyotirao’s own family. Despite threats and all the backlash, the couple is determined to bring a change in the society, and more importantly, a change in people’s mindsets.The film also explores their campaigns against child marriage, widow oppression, and untouchability. With support from friends like Usman Sheikh and Fatima Sheikh, the Phules expand their movements, all while facing financial, legal, and even medical troubles. It is truly a tale of grit.
What Makes Phule Stand Out:
Honesty and Realism
The best part about this movie is it doesn’t shy away from speaking facts. There is no sugar coating. The harsh realities of 19th-century India-where education for girls was almost unheard of, widows faced severe restrictions, and Dalits suffered systemic discrimination. Instead of sensationalizing these issues, the film adopts a grounded, realistic tone.
Engaging Storytelling
Biopics are usually considered boring and stretched. A lot of times, we are given a back story of our main characters and it affects the pace of the events. That was not the case with Phule. Phule unfolds in a natural, lived-in manner. The narrative is filled with quietly powerful moments, such as the upper-caste Brahmins avoiding Jyotiba’s shadow or the subtle courtroom scenes. The sequences leave a lasting impression on your mind even after you leave the theatres.
Powerful Performances
This is a no-brainer. To say the performances in Phule were amazing would be an understatement. Both lead actors played their part well. Pratik Gandhi captures Jyotirao’s quiet determination and unwavering spirit. Patralekhaa’s portrayal of Savitribai is especially memorable, and feels very authentic. She’s very humble but gritty.
Visual Authenticity
Phule is visually and factually accurate. We were immediately transported to that era. A beautiful depiction of Pune city. The costumes, sets, and overall visual enhance the emotional weight of the scenes. Even the music is calm, thoughtful, and time-relevant.
A Spotlight on Unsung Heroes
Another aspect that stands in favor of Phule is it tells a story about revolutionaries that are not known to many. The story is completely new and fresh. There’s always an air of anticipation on what will happen next. Very few people inside the theatre seemed to know the entire history. Therefore, it is like learning a new chapter from the history textbooks that shouldn’t have been skipped.
Our Verdict: Is Phule Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Phule is not your typical crowd-pleaser, but it is a deeply moving and necessary film. History is a vast field, but there are some things that you ought to know. Today we see many movements for women’s equality, right to education, etc. It is important to know where the seed was sown and who took the first steps. Phule does it in a very unapologetic way. It tries to present the history without any compromises. It’s a stirring tribute to two of India’s greatest social reformers, offering both inspiration and a sobering look at the cost of change.
While the film’s second half may feel rushed at times, and some events could have been explored in greater depth, but there is only so much you can show at once. The overall experience is powerful and memorable. It’s been a long time since Bollywood came out with meaningful cinema. If you’re looking for a film that entertains while making you think-and perhaps even moves you, Phule is well worth your time.
