Movie Review: 'Phule'

Plot

The biographical drama “Phule,” directed by Ananth Mahadevan, traces the inspiring journey of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, a revolutionary couple who significantly impacted social reform in 19th-century India. The movie opens during the plague outbreak in Pune in 1897, presenting a harrowing look at societal struggles while laying the groundwork for the couple's extraordinary legacy. Flashing back to 1848, we witness the young Jyotirao—a visionary ahead of his time—beginning his mission to educate girls from all castes, including the oppressed Dalit community. His efforts to challenge patriarchal norms and caste systems lead to violent backlash from upper-caste Brahmins, showcasing the harsh realities of societal oppression.

As Jyotirao and Savitribai begin their movement against deeply entrenched orthodox beliefs, they face tremendous hardship, including physical threats and societal ostracism. The film captures pivotal moments like the duo digging a well in their home to provide water to untouchables, while also reflecting on the broader implications of caste and religion on everyday life. While the film’s storytelling is grounded in historical facts, it navigates the nuances of caste discrimination and gender inequality with a mix of subtlety and poignant realism. Sadly, despite having such a powerful narrative foundation, the film struggles with pacing, often resulting in a sluggish experience that may disengage viewers.

Throughout the plot, the underlying message reveals how Jyotirao promotes education as a means of liberation. “Phule” avoids being overtly preachy, instead functioning as a mirror for society to reflect upon its own shortcomings and resistances. The film touches on real incidents, like the vandalism of their school and the blatant discrimination faced by lower-caste individuals. One striking scene captures society’s dehumanization of Dalits, underscoring the pain and prejudice embedded within the fabric of the time period. The journey is potent, yet at times, it lacks the emotional stir that a story with such weight should evoke.

Acting

In terms of performances, “Phule” shines with notable contributions from its lead actors. Pratik Gandhi delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Jyotirao Phule, captively embodying the character’s resilience and commitment to societal change. From his expressions to his dialogue delivery, Pratik seamlessly brings to life the emotional weight Jyotirao carries as he battles societal norms. His portrayal carries a genuine intensity, making his character's convictions palpable to the audience. However, at times, his pronunciations come off with a detectable Gujarati accent when speaking Marathi, which could momentarily pull viewers from the immersive experience.

Patralekha, cast as Savitribai, complements Pratik's performance, showcasing an emotional range that evolves throughout the film. Her character arc begins with a quietly reserved demeanor, but as the plot progresses, Savitribai’s underlying strength begins to emerge—particularly in a standout monologue where she confronts the Brahmins about their oppressive hierarchy. Regrettably, even with her strong moments, there are instances where her performance feels somewhat rehearsed, lacking the naturalness needed to fully engage the audience. This discrepancy keeps her from fully embodying the vibrant character of Savitribai.

Supporting characters, including Vinay Pathak as Jyotirao's father and Joy Sengupta as the antagonistic Brahmin, provide impactful moments that enhance the film's overall narrative. Each secondary character enriches the storyline, yet their presence sometimes feels overshadowed by the primary focus on the Phule couple. Darsheel Safary appears as the Phules' adopted son, yet his character feels underutilized, leaving viewers wishing for a more fleshed-out representation of his role in their revolutionary journey. Collectively, the performances resonate with authenticity, capturing the essence of a critical historical period while simultaneously reflecting modern societal struggles.

Cinematography

Cinematographer K. U. Mohanan deserves accolades for the visual storytelling in “Phule.” The film's aesthetic successfully portraits 19th-century Maharashtra. The muted color palette underscores the somber realities of that time, enhancing the emotional depths explored in the film. Through thoughtful framing and lighting, each scene captures the rawness of the characters’ struggles, from the starkness of the plague-infested Pune streets to the intimate moments shared between Jyotirao and Savitribai as they plotted their education reform.

One of the most striking visual elements is how the film effectively depicts societal disparities; scenes portray the Brahmins’ privileged existence juxtaposed with the Phules’ fight for social justice. The cinematography draws viewers into historical context while maintaining a focus on character-driven storytelling. Yet, there are also moments where wider shots of environments lack the vibrancy needed to capture viewers’ attention, thereby diluting some cinematic impact.

The film’s slower-paced sections detract from the overall flow, leading to drawn-out sequences that could have benefited from more dynamic visual storytelling. A more engaging visual language could have aided in elevating the narrative during these lulls, helping alleviate some of the viewing fatigue experienced in certain segments. Overall, “Phule” succeeds in establishing a strong visual representation of its historical context, enhancing the narrative, even if some elements can feel stagnant.

Direction

Director Ananth Mahadevan brings a sense of authenticity and restrained storytelling to “Phule,” effectively exploring the sociopolitical landscape of 19th-century India. Known for his works in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, Mahadevan demonstrates a steady hand at managing delicate themes of caste and gender oppression without falling prey to melodrama. His commitment to portray the Phules with respect is evident, as he refrains from sensationalizing their struggles, opting instead for a docu-style approach that brings historical accuracy to the forefront.

While the film’s intent is commendable, Mahadevan’s execution sometimes falters, as the screenplay’s pacing suffers from sluggish interludes that disrupt narrative flow. Certain scenes linger longer than necessary, causing viewers to disengage when they should be captivated by the unfolding story. That said, the director's approach encourages audiences to reflect on the journey of Jyotirao and Savitribai without being overwhelmed by exaggeration. Interestingly, he also defies expectations by portraying interactions with British officers without overt judgment, showcasing a nuanced approach as he addresses the complexities of historical alliances.

The film’s framing around significant events—like Jyotirao’s legal battles—evokes curiosity, inviting the audience to unpack the broader implications on modern society. Fans of Mahadevan's previous works may appreciate his signature style, maintaining an equilibrium between fictional narrative and historical documentation. However, for those unfamiliar with his filmmaking techniques, the approach might feel convoluted at moments, making character arcs harder to navigate during slower sequences. Ultimately, Mahadevan’s sincerity in representing Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule’s legacy shines through, even if the film occasionally detracts from its potential due to pacing issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Phule” offers a heartfelt homage to two of India’s earliest reformers, Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, intermingling potent themes of education, equality, and social justice within its narrative fabric. While the film occasionally wavers as a cinematic experience due to sluggish pacing and uneven emotional resonance, its historical significance resonates loudly. The performances from Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha anchor the film, successfully embodying the complexity of their characters’ struggles and aspirations while reminding us of a dark yet transformative period in Indian history.

The director, Ananth Mahadevan, deserves recognition for steering clear of dramatic excesses and opting for a grounded portrayal of the Phules’ activism, ensuring that the film stands as a respectful depiction of their lives. Together with authentic cinematography that paints the era’s nuanced realities, “Phule” serves as both an educational experience and a reflective commentary on modern societal challenges.

Though it may not achieve the vigor typical of an engaging biopic, it undoubtedly deserves recognition for highlighting a crucial chapter in India’s history. With an underappreciated legacy, Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule have much to teach us, and “Phule” encourages viewers to delve deeper into their incredible tale. Ultimately, if the film sparks interest, it may inspire societal reevaluation, prompting audiences to consider how their revolutionary spirit can fuel change in today’s world.