The Bollywood industry is no stranger to controversies, but Anurag Kashyap’s recent remarks about the Brahmin community have ignited a firestorm that shows no signs of dying down. The filmmaker, known for his unfiltered opinions, found himself in hot water after a social media post defending his upcoming film *Phule*—a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule—took a sharp turn. Responding to criticism from Brahmin groups over the film’s portrayal of caste dynamics, Kashyap wrote in Hindi, *”Brahmin pe main m*******a… koi problem?”* (I’ll pee on Brahmins… any problem?). The comment, intended as a defiant retort, quickly spiraled into a full-blown backlash.
Lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir Shukla, never one to shy away from a debate, launched a scathing counterattack. In a viral video, Muntashir mocked Kashyap’s stance, saying, “If your income is low, control your expenses. If your knowledge is limited, control your words. Anurag, both your income and knowledge seem lacking.” He then issued an open challenge, listing 21 iconic Brahmins—from Chanakya and Tansen to former Prime Ministers—daring Kashyap to disrespect any of them. “Countless like you have tried and failed to tarnish the Brahmin legacy,” he declared, warning the filmmaker to “stay within his limits.”
The fallout wasn’t just limited to social media sparring. Brahmin organizations, including the Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha and Chanakya Sena, held emergency meetings, with some even announcing a ₹1 lakh reward for anyone who “blackens Kashyap’s face.” Pandit Suresh Mishra, a prominent leader, accused Kashyap of “insulting a community that has sacrificed for the nation’s unity,” while legal complaints piled up in Indore and Mumbai. Advocate Ashish Rai called the remarks “hate speech,” demanding immediate action under Supreme Court guidelines.
Amid the escalating drama, Kashyap attempted damage control with a late-night apology—sort of. “I regret the one line taken out of context, not the intent of my post,” he clarified, pleading for trolls to stop targeting his family with rape and death threats. “Attack me, not my women,” he wrote, referencing scriptures that preach respect for women. But for many, the apology rang hollow, especially as protests grew louder and the release of *Phule* faced delays.
The film, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was originally set for April 11 but now hangs in limbo as the Censor Board’s objections and the brewing controversy complicate its path. Meanwhile, the debate rages on: Is Kashyap’s remark a reckless provocation or a misunderstood defense of artistic freedom? With tempers flaring and legal battles looming, this clash between creative expression and community sentiment is far from over.
Also read: Kesari Chapter 2 opens modestly at box office with ₹5.46 crore on day 1
