Lucknow- In a cinematic portrayal of historical significance, the struggles of Mahatma Jyotiba Rao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule have been brought to life in the film 'Satyashodhak.' Released on January 5, in Maharashtra, the movie has garnered positive reviews for its poignant depiction of the couple's challenges.

The Mooknayak engaged in a conversation with Nilesh Jalamkar, the director of the film, to delve into its details. Here are the key insights:

The film, set against the backdrop of the 19th century during the British presence and societal issues of casteism and poverty, focuses on the struggles faced by Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. The narrative delves into the hardships faced by women, including the prohibition of remarriage for widows and the ritualistic tonsuring of their heads.

Jalamkar shed light on the extensive research behind the film, revealing that literature published by the Maharashtra government on the Phule couple was a crucial resource. The research, initiated in 2014, paved the way for production that commenced in 2017.

Distinguishing itself from previous documentaries and films on the Phule couple, 'Satyashodhak' brings to light lesser-known aspects of their lives, allowing the audience to deeply connect with the couple's struggles. Sandeep Kulkarni and Rajshree Deshpande deliver powerful performances as Jyotiba Phule and Savitri Phule, leaving audiences emotionally moved.

When questioned about the actor selection, Jalamkar emphasized the importance of casting performers who closely resemble the characters they portray. National award winner Sandeep Kulkarni, with his striking resemblance to Jyotiba Phule, was deemed a fitting choice.

Addressing the film's contemporary relevance, Jalamkar asserted that the fundamental issues faced by women and farmers in the 19th century still persist today. 'Satyashodhak' endeavors to convey a message urging viewers to reflect on societal causes and their contributions. " The film gives out the message that we should also think about the cause and what we are doing for society" the director stated.

Regarding accessibility to non-Marathi audiences, Jalamkar revealed that work on the dubbed Hindi version is underway and is expected to be completed in the next 8-10 days. The team is open to collaboration with Hindi distributors, while the Marathi version is already equipped with English subtitles, ensuring a broader reach for this compelling cinematic portrayal of historical struggle and resilience."