Pratik Gandhi-starrer Phule in legal tangle over unpaid dues; advocate warns against sale of theatrical, OTT rights without financier’s NOC

Historic social drama Phule has recently had some issues when some of the Brahmin community are questioning about their presentations to the film. Director Anant Narayan Mahadevan sorted out the issue in a conversation with the injured. Now, the film has come across another hurdle after the financial institution claimed to be non-payment of fees. 

Mukesh Gupa was awarded to the film, according to a message published in the Advocate Ashok Purohit on April 5 and 12, 2025 by Atul Mohan's full Cinema Magazine. Despite repeated inquiries, the amount was not repaid. As a result, Gupta has placed a lien (legal claim) on Phule. 

The announcement also states that film rights -- digital, satellite, theatre, or additional errors -- cannot be sold or transferred without objection from Mukesh Gupta. According to this message, such transactions are invalid without written consent and legal action may be taken. It has even been discovered that "this communication is issued to protect your legal and financial interests." 

Phule will perform Pratik Gandhi as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Patalekhaa as Savitribai Phule. It will be featured in the cinema on April 25th. It was supposed to be released on April 11th, but was promoted due to objections from the Brahmin community. Anant Narayan Mahadevan recently said, "Many letters and communications come from various Brahmin organizations. After the trailer began, there have been some misconceptions. I want to clarify these questions so that there are no issues with the number of audiences. 

He also told them how when I met the representative (Akhil Bhartiya Brahman Samaj) he showed that [specific] Brahmin Jyotiba Phule would help establish 20 schools. When Phule opened the Satyashodhak Samaj, these Brahmins were pillars. I am a persuasive Brahman. Why am I in my community? We just showed the facts. It's not a film on the agenda.