Following massive criticism over his recent controversial remark wherein he targeted the Brahmin community, acclaimed filmmaker has publicly apologised. Anurag’s statement, which has gone viral on social media, emerged amid the ongoing controversy that revolves around the film . For the unversed, it outs forth the lives and work of social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule.

On Friday, Anurag took to Instagram to share a long note wherein he clarified his thoughts. “This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred,” he clarified. While making a reference to the threats that those close to him received following the remark, Anurag wrote, “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).”

“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),” he added.

Read his post here

The controversy kicked off when Anurag had replied to a user who had posted, “Brahmins tumhare baap hain…,” to which he responded, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem? (I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?) (sic).” Within minutes, the post went viral and sparked outrage from several Brahmin organisations.

Phule – which features Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in key roles – is one of the most awaited biopics, that revolves around the revolutionary work of the Phule couple. They had played a key role in confronting caste and gender discrimination in 19th-century India.

Phule was originally scheduled to release on April 11, but it faced objection for its content from Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal. The Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) too had suggested a few changes, which the makers had readily incorporated. The makers had also made plans to postpone the film by a couple of weeks to ensure they could have a discussion with people and ensure that the film doesn’t include objectionable content.

The film will now hit theatres on April 25.

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