Two weeks ago, Pratik Gandhi was at the same point where he is today, on the cusp of a movie’s release. Unfortunately, Phule—a biopic on Mahatma Jyotirao Phule—didn’t hit the theatres then as some sections of the Brahmin community opposed the film, believing it showed them in poor light. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded certain changes, too. Today, as the Ananth Mahadevan-directed venture lines up for an April 25 release, the leading man says the resistance didn’t surprise him.  

“Given the sensitive nature of the subject and the current climate, I wasn’t entirely surprised by the possibility of some form of reaction,” he smiles sardonically, before adding, “When you’re dealing with historical figures and social issues that are still relevant and sometimes contentious, different perspectives are bound to arise. Our intention was never to create unnecessary controversy, but to tell an honest and factual story. We approached it with a sense of responsibility.”