A fierce war of words has erupted between Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, after the latter’s remarks about the Brahmin community triggered a social media storm.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dubey launched a scathing attack on the Gangs of Wasseypur director, accusing him of spewing hatred against Brahmins. “This vile scumbag @anuragkashyap72 thinks he can spit filth on the entire Brahmin community and get away with it? If he doesn’t issue a public apology immediately, I swear I’ll make sure he finds no peace anywhere. Enough of this gutter mouth’s hate, we won’t stay silent!” Dubey posted.
The controversy stems from Kashyap’s reaction to backlash against his upcoming film “Phule”, a biopic on iconic social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, faced protests from sections of the Brahmin community, who alleged that the film portrays them negatively.
Kashyap, while defending the film, reportedly made a comment on caste that angered many online. However, as the backlash intensified, he took to Instagram to issue a statement clarifying his stance and apologizing for the line that sparked outrage.
"This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar (cultural values)," Kashyap said in his note.
He added that threats had been directed at his daughter, family, friends, and colleagues, and called out the extreme reactions to what he described as a misunderstood comment.
Kashyap also highlighted his long-standing engagement with anti-caste narratives. “If casteism didn’t exist in this country, why did they need to fight against it?” he wrote, referring to Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule’s legacy. He also revealed that the first play of his career was based on the reformist couple’s lives.
The controversy erupted after the trailer for “Phule” was released online on April 10. While the film was initially slated for release last week, it has now been rescheduled to April 25 following the protests.
