Pratik Gandhi says challenging the unacceptable isn’t about violence
Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, explores the lives of social activists Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, during a time when child marriage was the norm, and the girl child was denied education. Jyotirao chose to educate his wife and they became social reformers who campaigned for the rights of the underprivileged. The film is set to be released on April 11.
Excerpts from a conversation with Pratik Gandhi:
What does this film set out to do?
We have tried to honestly portray whatever is historically known about the lives of Jyotirao and Savitribhai Phule’s lives. It's an absolutely refreshing story for our times.
Which social evils are discussed in Phule?
We have explored child marriage and its related challenges, and the odds faced by those who fought against it.
Tell us about achieving the period look.
Well, for one, there is this unique style of wearing a turban. It’s known as the Phule Pagdi, it starts from the ears. Then there was the beard. Plus, we had to portray the characters as they aged. We were very careful about all of this, and we did multiple look tests to achieve the desired results.
What was your brief as an actor?
My job was to interpret the character to the best of my abilities, without letting my personal, political or social biases get in the way. That's what I’ve tried to do, and I hope it works. From the writer’s and director’s perspectives too, we just wanted to talk about the lives of these people.
Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, explores the lives of social activists Jyotirao and Savitribai PhuleDoes a biopic come with many responsibilities?
Yes, a biographical drama carries a lot of responsibility and risk too. With historically known characters, one can’t afford to go wrong. We have tried to present these characters in the most honest way possible.
But controversies seem to be everywhere these days…
We don’t have any intention of upsetting people. I am sure director Anant Mahadevan must have done an immersive reading of Phules’ lives. Their life journey is so vast. To show all of it in a two-hour film is a challenge in itself.
Do you think this film has a message for present-day India?
We hope that after watching such films and learning about such people, audiences will question themselves. We hope people will ask themselves if they’re doing anything to change something what bothers them. We want them to at least think if they have the courage to question. Questioning or challenging something doesn’t mean that you should be violent. It’s about the inner strength to ask questions and set things right. Nowadays, nothing happens without shouting. But we show how this couple achieved so much subtly.
