Hey there, movie fans and history enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wondered about the incredible life of Savitribai Phule, you’re in for a treat. She was a fearless woman who broke barriers in 19th-century India, pushing for women’s education and fighting against caste discrimination. Her story is so powerful that it’s inspired not one, but two films—the 2018 Kannada Savitribai Phule movie and the much-talked-about 2025 Hindi film Phule. In this blog post, we’re going to unpack everything about these Savitribai Phule movies: when they hit the screens, who’s starring in them, and yes, even the drama behind the scenes. So, let’s dive right in!
Who Was Savitribai Phule?
Before we get to the movies, let’s talk about the woman herself. Savitribai Phule wasn’t just any historical figure—she was a game-changer. Born in 1831 in Maharashtra, she became India’s first female teacher at a time when educating women was unthinkable. Alongside her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she opened schools for girls and people from marginalized communities, facing insults, threats, and even stones thrown at her. She didn’t just stop there—Savitribai also wrote poetry, challenged the caste system, and worked to end practices like sati. Her courage makes her a hero worth celebrating, and these films are here to do just that.
The 2018 Kannada Film: A Tribute to Savitribai’s Legacy
Let’s start with the first Savitribai Phule movie that hit theaters—a Kannada biopic released back in 2018. If you’re a fan of regional cinema or just love a good story, this one’s worth checking out.
When Did It Release?
The Kannada Savitribai Phule movie came out on August 10, 2018. It was a special moment for Karnataka’s film industry, bringing a local hero’s story to life in a language close to her roots.
Who’s in the Cast?
Directed by Vishal Raj, this film stars Tara as Savitribai Phule, and she totally nails it. Tara brings out Savitribai’s strength and grace in a way that feels real and moving. Playing her husband, Jyotirao Phule, is Suchendra Prasad, who adds depth to their partnership. The supporting cast includes actors like Rajesh Nataranga, giving the film a solid backbone.
What’s the Story About?
This biopic takes you straight into Savitribai’s world. It shows her early life, her marriage to Jyotirao (who was all about breaking societal norms), and their mission to educate girls and Dalits. The movie doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles—they faced backlash from the upper castes, who weren’t happy about their revolutionary ideas. There’s a powerful scene where Savitribai walks to school with books, dodging insults and attacks, yet never giving up. It’s a simple, heartfelt look at her life, focusing on her role as an educator and reformer.
How Was It Received?
Audiences in Karnataka loved it! Tara’s performance got a lot of praise, and the film was appreciated for staying true to history without getting too preachy. It didn’t make huge waves nationally, but for those who saw it, it was a touching tribute. Want to know more? As mentioned by BookMyShow, it’s a film that captures the essence of Savitribai’s fight beautifully.
The 2025 Hindi Film “Phule”: A Big-Screen Spectacle
Now, let’s shift gears to the upcoming Hindi film Phule, which is already making headlines—and not just for its star power. This one’s got a broader reach and a lot more buzz, so let’s break it down.
Phule Movie Release Date: When Can We Watch It?
The Phule movie release date was originally set for April 11, 2025, to mark Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary. But here’s the twist—it’s been pushed back to April 25, 2025. Why? Well, there’s some serious drama behind the scenes, which we’ll get into soon. For now, mark your calendars—this one’s going to be worth the wait!
Phule Movie Cast: Who’s Bringing It to Life?
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, Phule boasts a stellar cast. Pratik Gandhi, who won hearts in Scam 1992, plays Jyotirao Phule, while Patralekhaa steps into Savitribai Phule’s shoes. These two are known for picking meaningful roles, and their chemistry is already something fans are excited about. The supporting cast hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but with a director like Mahadevan, you can bet it’ll be packed with talent.
What’s the Plot?
Phule promises to dive deep into the lives of Savitribai and Jyotirao, focusing on their partnership and their battles against injustice. From the teaser, it looks like the film will show their school-building efforts, their clashes with orthodox society, and even quieter moments of their personal bond. It’s not just a biopic—it’s a bold take on how they challenged the caste system and patriarchy head-on. Expect some intense scenes and a lot of heart.
Phule Movie Controversy: What’s the Fuss About?
Here’s where things get spicy. The Phule movie controversy has been all over the news. Some groups, especially from the Brahmin community, have raised objections, saying the film portrays them in a bad light and stirs up caste tensions. They’ve pointed to specific dialogues and scenes that mention castes like ‘Mahar’ and ‘Mang’ or terms like ‘Peshwai’ and ‘Manu system.’ The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stepped in, asking for cuts and changes, which delayed the release.
Director Ananth Mahadevan has clapped back, saying the film sticks to historical facts and isn’t out to offend anyone. He’s even met with community leaders to sort things out. According to India Today, this debate has sparked a bigger question: how do you tell a true story without ruffling feathers? It’s a tricky spot for a film that’s meant to honor Savitribai and Jyotirao.
How Do These Films Stack Up?
Both the 2018 Kannada Savitribai Phule movie and the 2025 Hindi Phule aim to shine a light on Savitribai’s legacy, but they’re pretty different vibes. The Kannada film keeps it simple and local, focusing on her as a teacher and wife with a straightforward storytelling style. Phule, on the other hand, goes big—think grand visuals, a national audience, and a gutsy take on caste issues that’s landed it in hot water.
The Kannada movie flew under the radar a bit, while Phule is already a hot topic, thanks to its cast and the controversy. Both have their strengths: one’s a quiet gem, the other’s a bold statement. Together, they show how Savitribai’s story can resonate in different ways, whether you’re in Karnataka or anywhere else in India.
Why These Movies Matter
So, why should you care about these Savitribai Phule movies? For starters, they’re not just entertainment—they’re a window into a time when change was hard-won. Savitribai’s work laid the groundwork for women’s rights and education in India, and these films keep her spirit alive. The 2018 biopic reminds us of her grit, while Phule might just get more people talking about caste and equality today.
Sure, the controversy around Phule shows how tricky it can be to tell these stories. But that’s also why they’re important—because they make us think, debate, and learn. Whether you’re watching for the history, the drama, or the performances, these films are a chance to connect with a legend.
What’s Next for Savitribai on Screen?
With Phule still on the way, you might wonder if more filmmakers will tackle Savitribai’s story. There’s already been a 2024 Marathi film, Satyashodhak, that touches on her life, so the interest is definitely there. Maybe we’ll see a Tamil or Telugu take next—who knows? Her story’s universal enough to keep inspiring creators across India.
Wrapping It Up
Savitribai Phule was a force of nature, and these movies are proof that her legacy still packs a punch. The 2018 Kannada Savitribai Phule movie gave us a heartfelt look at her life, while the 2025 Hindi Phule is set to bring her story to a bigger stage—controversy and all. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet power of the first or the bold ambition of the second, both are worth your time. So, keep an eye out for April 25, 2025, when Phule finally hits theaters, and maybe dig up the 2018 film for a double feature. Savitribai’s story deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated—don’t you think?
FAQs
When Was the Kannada “Savitribai Phule” Movie Released?
The Kannada Savitribai Phule movie hit theaters on August 10, 2018—a perfect tribute to her legacy in Karnataka.
Who Stars in the 2025 “Phule” Movie?
The Phule movie cast includes Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan.
Why Was the “Phule” Movie Release Date Changed?
The Phule movie release date moved from April 11 to April 25, 2025, after the CBFC demanded edits due to objections from some community groups over caste-related content.
What’s the “Phule” Movie Controversy About?
The Phule movie controversy stems from claims that it defames the Brahmin community and promotes casteism, leading to censorship demands and a delay.
Are There Other Films About Savitribai Phule?
Yes! Besides the 2018 Kannada film and Phule, the 2024 Marathi film Satyashodhak also explores her life, showing her story’s lasting appeal.