Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again spoken out against the delay in releasing several films, including 90, Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, and Phule. Taking to Instagram on April 17, Kashyap strongly criticized the government’s handling of censorship, accusing authorities of suppressing voices that question their ideologies.
In a fiery Instagram Story, Kashyap wrote:
“90, Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, Phule… I don’t even know how many films are being stalled just because they challenge the agenda of a casteist, regionalist, and racist government. They’re too ashamed to even discuss what exactly offends them. Fckin’ cowards.*”
He didn’t stop there. In a separate post on his main Instagram feed, Kashyap highlighted a statement allegedly made during a Dhadak 2 screening, where he claims the censor board said, “Modi ji has eradicated the caste system in India,” which was used as a reason to deny release clearance for Santosh.
Kashyap challenged this stance in his post:
“Now there’s an issue with ‘Phule’ because some Brahmins feel targeted. But if there’s no caste system—as claimed—then what’s the issue? Who are you? Why does this bother you so much?”
Continuing his sharp critique, he added:
“If casteism never existed, why did Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai even exist? Either Brahmanism doesn’t exist—as per Modi’s India—or everyone is just fooling everyone else. People are not stupid. Decide once and for all: does casteism exist in India or not? Are you Brahmins or are your gods above even that?”
Kashyap’s bold remarks have reignited debates around artistic freedom, censorship, and caste discourse in Indian cinema. As several high-profile films continue to face hurdles, his words highlight growing frustration within the creative community.
