Rahul Gandhi watches 'Phule' in Patna with Dalit, OBC citizens and activists

In an effort to amplify the message of social justice through cinema and social media, Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha) and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi watched Phule, a recently released biopic on 19th-century social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, at City Centre Mall in Patna.

The screening was attended by social media influencers, civil society members and Congress supporters, several of

Rahul Gandhi was welcomed with slogans of “Jai Bheem” as he arrived at the cinema hall. Following the screening, he interacted with social media influencers. Gandhi remarked, “Social justice is the need of the country, and no one can stop it.”

The Bihar Congress had invited around 400 people for the special screening, distributing exclusive passes bearing photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram.

Asharfi Sada, a social activist from Darbhanga, expressed his excitement, telling PTI, “I am not associated with any party but have attended all recent events of Rahul Gandhi in Bihar. This is my first opportunity to watch a movie with him.”

Uday Chandravanshi, working president of the Patna (Rural) District Congress Committee, highlighted the significance of the event. “By watching the movie with people from deprived sections of society, Rahul Gandhi has sent a strong message that he is committed to fighting for the rights of Dalits, tribals, and OBCs — from the streets to Parliament.

ये है जन नायक श्री राहुल जी के प्रति पटना वासियों का प्यार ❤️ pic.twitter.com/998USGES5N

— Bihar Congress (@INCBihar) May 15, 2025

However, the event was not without controversy.

Some attendees created a commotion outside the cinema hall, alleging that they were denied entry despite possessing valid passes. “I belong to the Mali community, a descendant of Jyotiba Phule and Ramabai. Yet I am being stopped from watching the film with our leader Rahul Gandhi,” one agitated person said.

The film Phule itself has been at the centre of a censorship row.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered several cuts and alterations, demanding the removal of caste-related terms like “Mahar”, “Mang”, “Peshwai”, and references to the Manusmriti-based caste system. Visuals were also modified, including a scene where a man carrying a broom was replaced with boys throwing cow dung at Savitribai Phule.

These changes sparked widespread criticism and controversy.