Phule Faces Legal Challenge Over Unpaid Dues
The upcoming historical drama Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, is embroiled in a legal dispute as a financier claims the film’s producers have failed to repay a loan. This issue follows earlier concerns from the Brahmin community regarding their portrayal in the film. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has been in discussions to address these concerns, but the financial dispute now poses a significant hurdle ahead of the film’s scheduled release.
Financial Dispute Raises Concerns
A notice published in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine reveals that Mukesh Gupta, a financier, has accused the producers of Phule of not repaying a loan. Gupta’s attorney, Ashok Purohit, has stated that despite multiple requests for repayment, the producers have not complied. Consequently, Gupta has placed a legal claim, or lien, on the film, which restricts any sale or transfer of its rights without his consent.
The notice explicitly states that no rights—be it digital, satellite, theatrical, or ancillary—can be sold or transferred without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Gupta. Any transactions conducted without this written consent are deemed invalid, and Gupta has indicated that he may pursue legal action to protect his financial interests. This development adds a layer of complexity to the film’s release strategy, which is already under scrutiny.
Community Concerns Addressed
Prior to the financial issues, Phule faced backlash from sections of the Brahmin community who expressed concerns about their representation in the film. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has actively engaged with community representatives to clarify the film’s narrative. He emphasized that the film aims to portray historical facts, including the contributions of certain Brahmins in supporting Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s educational initiatives.
Mahadevan stated, “When I met the representatives of the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj, they were pleased to learn about how some Brahmins helped Jyotiba Phule establish schools.” He reassured that the film does not aim to malign any community but rather to highlight historical truths. The director’s efforts to resolve misunderstandings have been crucial in addressing community concerns, especially following the release of the film’s trailer.
Release Date Uncertainty
Phule was initially set to premiere on April 11 but was postponed to April 25 due to the objections raised by the Brahmin community. The film’s release is now further complicated by the ongoing financial dispute. As the production team navigates these challenges, the anticipation surrounding the film remains high, particularly given its historical significance and the performances of its lead actors. With the release date approaching, the filmmakers are under pressure to resolve both the community concerns and the financial issues to ensure a smooth launch. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the film’s future in theaters and on digital platforms.
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