Anurag Kashyap apologises after row over Brahmin comment

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has issued a public apology following backlash over his controversial remark about the Brahmin community.

The controversy erupted amid the ongoing row surrounding Phule, a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.

Kashyap, had earlier criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Brahmin groups over censorship and objections to the film.

He faced severe social media outrage for saying he would "urinate on Brahmins" in response to a X comment.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap says he's leaving Mumbai, 'disgusted' with Bombay film industry

Anurag’s apology

Taking to Instagram, the Gangs of Wasseypur director posted a lengthy note, clarifying that while he won’t take back his original post, he regrets a line taken "out of context" that led to his family and colleagues receiving rape and death threats.

He captioned his apology post, "Apology for the Manuwaadiyon and Brahmins without values."

His post reads: “No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, or friends getting threats from the kingpins of sanskar.”

Kashyap added, “I won't take back what I said. Abuse me all you want. My family didn't say anything. If you want an apology, here it is.”

He appealed for basic decency, referencing values found in scriptures, stating, “Brahmins, spare the women. These values are imbibed in our scriptures, too, except for Manuwaad. Decide which Brahmin you are.”

Controversial backdrop

The outrage follows Kashyap's reply to a social media user who said, "Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you." "I would urinate on Brahmins, any problem?" he had replied.

In his Instagram stories, he posted a screenshot of the original exchange and said those criticising him should also consider the context of his statement.

Kashyap further addressed the backlash by calling out what he termed as “Manuwaadi” and “lazy Brahmins” who hide behind scriptures and humiliate others.

Also Read: Actor says Anurag Kashyap sexually harassed her, director denies it

Legal and political fallout

The controversy prompted legal complaints, with a Mumbai-based advocate urging the police to register an FIR against Kashyap.

Kashyap's comment also drew massive criticism with Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey calling the filmmaker a "vile scumbag" and vowing not to stay silent until he apologises publicly.

Film faces delay

The controversy comes ahead of the release of Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, which faced censor board edits and was delayed following objections from Brahmin groups.

Although the CBFC granted it a U certificate after the edits, the film’s release was postponed from April 11 to April 25 to avoid further conflict.

Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film highlights their fight against caste discrimination and gender inequality.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap 'very much capable' of sexual harassment: Kangana