"Our job was not to judge anything": Pratik Gandhi shares his mantra for portrayal of social reformer Jyotirao Phule in 'Phule'

Actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa spoke about the pressure they faced while portraying social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule in their upcoming film Phule.

Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film stars Pratik as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. The story highlights their fight against caste discrimination and gender inequality.

In recent times, historical dramas in Bollywood have faced backlash from religious organisations and political parties. Chhaava is one of the most recent examples.

Pratik's upcoming film, Phule, brings the revolutionary story of 19th-century social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule to the big screen. His portrayal of Jyotirao Phule has received positive feedback from critics and viewers after the trailer's release.

The 'Scam 1992' actor credited the director Ananth and the writers of the film for instilling confidence in him for accepting the role of revoltunary Jyotirao Phule. He said that he was not scared in portraying the role because of the director's honest approach towards the film.

While talking to ANI, he said, "We were less scared. The reason was the writers and the director. Had already put a lot of effort behind it. There is so much material available and the script was made from that. Firstly, we got peace there. Secondly, the director's approach was very clear. Anand sir had said that we are not colouring the characters in the story in any way. We are telling the story in the most honest possible way."

He further told that he approached the film's script as just a story and Jyotirao's personality as just a character in the film.

"So, our job was not to judge anything from anybody's point of view or our point of view. It is just a story and we had to create a character. And his story is so strong. I don't think there can be any other way," said Pratik.

Patralekhaa felt the pressure of portraying Savitribai Phule.

Patralekhaa admitted that while she was not scared, she did feel pressure in portraying Savitribai Phule as she considers her a divine figure.

"I was never scared. I know that Anand sir and the writers. They have put in a lot of effort. Whatever has been written about them. There is a lot. Compiling it and making a two-hour film. It is a big challenge. I was never scared. I always felt and I still feel that Jyotiba and Savitri Bai are such characters that they are God. I feel that pressure," said Patralekhaa.

The film's trailer was recently released, offering a glimpse into the relentless struggle of the legendary reformers as they attempted to "change the status quo of women, particularly widows and Dalits."

Produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, Phule will be released in cinemas on April 11 by Zee Studios.
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