'Family getting rape threats': Anurag Kashyap apologises for remark on Brahmins; Union Minister calls filmmaker 'vile scumbag'

Filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap issued an apology for his controversial remarks on Brahmins in a post on Instagram on Friday night. The Gangs of Wasseypur director said that he was apologising because his family and friends were getting rape and death threats due to his comments.

Kashyap stated that "no action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar."

His apology read, "This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred...So, what has been said cannot be taken back — and I won’t take it back. But if you want to abuse someone, direct it at me. My family hasn't said anything and they never do (sic)."

"So, if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology. Brahmins, please spare the women — even the scriptures teach this much decency, not just Manusmriti. Decide for yourselves what kind of Brahmins you truly are. As for me, I offer my apology," he added.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister of state for Coal and Mines Satish Dubey, calling the Maharaja actor a "vile scumbag", demanded a public apology from him.

"This vile scumbag thinks he can spit filth on the entire Brahmin community and get away with it? If he doesn’t issue a public apology immediately, I swear I’ll make sure he finds no peace anywhere. Enough of this gutter mouth’s hate , we won’t stay silent!," the minister had posted in X.

What is the controversy about?

The controversy is linked to the row over release of film Phule, a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.

Anurag Kashyap on Thursday criticised the protests around the film questioning why movies depicting caste issues get banned in India.

The director also criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for modifications suggested to Phule.

In a post on Instagram, Kashyap said the very first play of his career was based on the lives of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. Replying to this post, a user wrote, “Brahmins tumhare baap hain. Jitna tumhari unse sulgegi utna tumhari sulgaayenge (Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you) (sic).” To this, Kashyap replied, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga.. koi problem? (I will urinate on Brahmins... any problem?) (sic).”

Kashyap's reply escalated the debate, leading to the filmmaker apologising for his remark.

The biopic, featuring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the roles of the reformist couple, was set for release last week but it will now arrive in theatres on April 25.

After the trailer of Phule was unveiled online on April 10, some members from the Brahmin community raised objections stating that they’ve been portrayed in poor light.