Director Anurag Kashyap Booked in Rajasthan Jaipur for Allegedly Offensive Caste-Based Social Media Post

Jaipur, April 20 Celebrated filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has landed in legal trouble after a case was registered against him at Bajaj Nagar Police Station, Jaipur, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against a particular caste group through a social media post. The controversy, which has stirred nationwide uproar, is linked to Kashyap’s response over the ongoing debate around his upcoming film Phule.

FIR Filed After Complaint by Local Resident

According to ASI Indraj, the investigation officer, a formal complaint was submitted on Saturday night by Anil Chaturvedi, a resident of Barkat Nagar. The complainant alleged that Kashyap posted objectionable content targeting a specific caste on his social media handle, thereby hurting community sentiments and promoting caste-based disharmony.

The case has been filed under sections related to promoting enmity between groups and using offensive language on public platforms. Authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation, and necessary legal steps will follow.

Film Phule Sparks Nationwide Controversy

The controversy centers around Phule, an upcoming biographical film set to release on April 25. Based on the life of prominent social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, the film has faced criticism from various groups alleging that it promotes casteism. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had earlier asked the makers to alter several scenes and dialogues.

Reportedly, Kashyap expressed displeasure over the censorship demands and backlash through a strong-worded post on social media. His comments, particularly those perceived as targeting the Brahmin community, triggered widespread criticism. A user’s inflammatory response to his post prompted Kashyap to issue a reply that was deemed offensive, ultimately leading to the police complaint.

Kashyap Issues Public Apology After Receiving Threats

In the wake of intense trolling and threats, including rape and death threats directed toward his family and female acquaintances, Kashyap issued a public apology via Instagram on April 18. While standing by his original stance, he expressed regret for one specific line that he claimed was misinterpreted.

“I apologize, not for the post itself, but for one line that was misunderstood and used to spread hate,” Kashyap wrote. He further urged his critics to direct their anger at him rather than his family. “Have the decency to spare the women. That’s a value found in scriptures too,” he added in his emotional statement.

Release of Phule Delayed Amid Ongoing Tensions

Initially scheduled for April 11, Phule was postponed following objections raised by CBFC and caste-based organizations. Featuring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in lead roles, the film reportedly underwent several modifications, including the removal of contentious words such as “Maang,” “Mahar,” and “Peshwai,” and the revision of a dialogue referencing “3000 years of slavery.”

Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film remains under scrutiny ahead of its rescheduled release date. The ongoing controversy surrounding the film and Kashyap’s remarks continues to polarize public opinion across the country.