Following a huge uproar over his “urination” remark directed at the Brahmin community, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap issued an apology. On social media, he posted a statement saying that while he does not mind criticism from others, he does not tolerate it from his friends and family. He further disclosed that his comments are causing death threats to be sent to his loved ones, particularly his daughter Aaliyah Kashyap.
“This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred.” The director of Gangs of Wasseypur wrote, “I will not take back what I said. Abuse me all you want. My family did not say anything. If you want an apology, here it is. Brahmins, spare the women. These values are imbibed in our scriptures, too, except for Manuwaad. Decide which Brahmin you are. Rest, here’s an apology from me.”
What is the controversy about?
Kashyap blasted the Central Board of Film Certification earlier this week for delaying the release of Phule and removing certain caste-related language. The biographical film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, tells the story of Jyotirao and Savitribhai Phule, who battled against caste prejudice in the 1800s. Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa are the main actors. After Brahmin groups protested the film’s content and claimed it promoted casteism, CBFC directed the filmmakers to remove words like Mang, Mahar, and Peshwai. In his tirade, Kashyap charged that the CBFC was obstructing movies that revealed the nation’s “casteist government.”
After this, he was attacked on social media by someone who said, “Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you.” Kashyap’s response to this statement caused a huge commotion. In addition to the internet outcry, a Mumbai police report was made by a lawyer at the Bombay High Court after he said, “I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?”
Phule, however, will now open in theaters on April 25.
