Phule, the highly awaited biographical drama headlined by Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, opened to lukewarm response at the box office. Notwithstanding the hue and cry as well as controversy it generated pre-release, the film collected merely ₹24 lakh on its day of opening, as per reports by Sacnilk. Based on the biographies of social reformers Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule, the film delves into their trailblazing initiatives in education as well as reform of the caste system.
Revolution and Resistance Story
Sensitively directed and deeply empathetic, Phule chronicles the inspiring story of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule the visionary couple behind India’s women’s education and social equality movement. The movie tells an intimate and intense story of their ideological and personal transformation with a strong focus on their unwavering resistance to deeply ingrained caste and gender-based discrimination. One of the highlights of the story is how Jyotirao, played by Pratik Gandhi, goes against tradition by teaching Savitribai (played by Patralekhaa), ultimately backing her cause to educate young girls.
Pre-Release Controversy and Delayed Launch
The journey to release for Phule was not easy. A number of Brahmin groups in Maharashtra objected to the depiction of historical figures, resulting in protests and delays. The furor brought considerable publicity to the film, with freedom of expression and the interpretation of history being hot topics in media debates. The hype, though, did not translate to box office sales on its debut day, implying that while the subject matter fascinated people, it didn’t push enough individuals to the cinemas right away.https://www.instagram.com/p/DI2tqgqSe44/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=474&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspointapp.com&rp=%2Fenglish-news%2Fpublisher-Glamsham%2Fentertainment%2Fday-1-disappointment-phule-collects-rs-24-lakh–will-pratik-gandhis-dedication-pay-off%2Farticleshow%2F14504820e9b35c5c09c0a8f56e48ec57824d8593%3Futm_source%3Dpw#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1204%7D
Critical Praise, Audience Hesitation
While box office returns were disappointing, the movie has seen positive reviews regarding its story and performances. One review on News18 commended the movie’s subtle but poignant moments, adding, “The scenes of them gently coaxing wary mothers, who equate education with sin and lower castes with impurity, are both tender and tragic.” The movie is commended for not sermonizing but rather reflecting the society’s core fears and biases through emotive storytelling.