'Phule' Trailer Sparks Joy in Bahujan Community—Here's Why This Movie’s a Must-See

Mumbai – The trailer for Phule was released on March 24, and it’s already stirring up a storm. Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, this biographical drama shines a spotlight on the fearless lives of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, brought to life by Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa.

Born in Satara, Maharashtra, on April 11, 1827, Jyotirao Phule dedicated his life to challenging the oppressive caste system and advocating for the education and upliftment of women and oppressed castes in India during the British colonial era.

He, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, pioneered revolutionary initiatives such as opening the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and launching campaigns to address societal issues like widow remarriage, water crisis. Through his activism and profound insights, Phule coined the term 'Dalit' in the 1880s to represent the marginalized and untouchable communities.

With its theatrical debut locked for April 11—Jyotirao Phule’s 198th birth anniversary—the film’s first look has hooked audiences, promising a raw, emotional ride through history. Backed by Dancing Shiva Films, Kingsmen Productions, and Zee Studios, Phule is shaping up to be more than just a movie—it’s a wake-up call wrapped in stunning visuals.

Clocking in at just over two minutes, the trailer doesn’t hold back. It plunges viewers into 19th-century India, where Jyotirao and Savitribai take on a rigid society headfirst. You see them battling caste walls and gender chains, pushing to open India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848. The scenes hit hard—Pratik Gandhi’s Jyotirao stands tall against a tide of angry faces, while Patralekhaa’s Savitribai lights up the screen with quiet fire, teaching girls who’d otherwise be forgotten. The trailer’s got grit, heart, and a line that sticks: “Our country runs on sentiments.” It’s a taste of a story that’s as real as it gets, and it’s got people talking.

Over on X, the trailer’s barely been out a day, and fans are losing it—in a good way. A user posted on March 24, “Just watched the #PhuleTrailer, and I’m speechless! The intensity, the emotions, and the depth of the story are beyond amazing. This is going to be legendary!” She tagged the cast and crew, linking the YouTube trailer, and she’s not alone. Another user chimed in a minute later: “The #PhuleTrailer is finally here and it hits HARD! A story that needed to be told—and it’s looking absolutely brilliant.” The link he shared’s racking up views fast.

Others can’t stop raving either. One user wrote, “If the #PhuleTrailer is any indication, this film is going to be a game-changer. The performances look stellar, and the narrative feels like a punch to the gut in the best way possible!” Meanwhile, another caught goosebumps: “That #PhuleTrailer gave me chills! The impact, the vibe, the message—everything is on point. This is going to be something special!” The buzz on X is electric—folks are calling it a must-see, and the hype’s only growing.

Why You Can’t Skip Phule

So why’s everyone saying you’ve got to catch this one? For starters, it’s not your usual history lesson. Phule digs into the messy, human side of Jyotirao and Savitribai’s fight—two people who stared down a whole system and said, “Not on our watch.” They didn’t just talk about change; they made it happen, from teaching girls to kicking caste rules to the curb. The trailer hints at a film that’s going to show you their sweat, their guts, and the kind of love that builds a better world.

In colonial India, Mahatma Phule passionately advocated for the education of Shudras, highlighting the systemic discrimination they faced in accessing education. He criticized the Victorian government for its failure to address the educational needs of Shudras and untouchables despite substantial investments in the education department. Phule argued that Shudras and Dalits were being deprived of educational opportunities due to the dominance of upper-class Hindus in the education sector. These elites vehemently opposed the education of Shudras and Dalits, perpetuating discriminatory practices.

Then there’s the cast. Pratik Gandhi, who owned Scam 1992, slips into Jyotirao’s shoes like he was born for it. Patralekhaa’s Savitribai is already stealing hearts—she’s fierce yet warm, a perfect match for a woman who broke every mold. Mahadevan, the man behind the lens, knows how to pull you in; he’s calling this a story today’s crowd needs to hear. “These two changed the game despite everything thrown at them,” he told Live India. “It’s inspiring, and it’s real.”

The timing’s spot-on too. Dropping on April 11, it’s a nod to Jyotirao’s legacy, but it’s also a mirror for now—caste and inequality aren’t just old news, they’re still kicking. Phule isn’t here to preach; it’s here to make you feel the weight of that fight and maybe ask what’s still left to fix.

The Phule trailer’s got people hooked for a reason—it’s bold, it’s moving, and it’s about the time this story hit the big screen. Mark April 11 on your calendar; Phule isn’t just a film—it’s a front-row seat to a revolution.