Anurag Kashyap apologises as rape threats follow viral comment

It started like any other heated exchange on social media with sharp words, clashing opinions, and rising tempers. But within hours, what seemed like a fleeting argument had spiralled into a full-blown national controversy involving caste politics, legal complaints, and chilling threats.

Now, in the eye of a growing backlash, Kashyap has spoken out — not just to explain, but to apologise.  

Anurag’s viral comment sparked outrage and police complaint (Credit: X)

Viral comment that sparked outrage and police complaint

The furore began when Kashyap responded to a social media user criticising his work, particularly Phule, a biopic on social reformer Jyotirao Phule. In a blunt rebuttal, Kashyap wrote, ‘I would urinate on Brahmins, any problem?’ The statement swiftly went viral, drawing criticism from several quarters and leading to an FIR filed in Mumbai by a Bombay High Court advocate.

Many perceived the comment as an attack on the Brahmin community, fuelling outrage online. What followed was a barrage of abuse and threats directed not only at Kashyap but also at his family and colleagues.

Kashyap breaks silence on Instagram

Taking to Instagram, Kashyap shared an emotional note, clarifying his intent and expressing regret over the consequences of his words. He insisted that the apology was not for his entire post but for the specific line that had been taken out of context and used to incite hate. 

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‘This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar (tradition),’ he wrote.

In Hindi, he added: ‘I won’t take back what I said. Abuse me all you want. My family didn’t say anything. If you want an apology, here it is. Brahmins, spare the women. These values are in our scriptures too — except for Manuwaad. Decide which Brahmin you are.’

Kashyap also posted a screenshot of the original exchange, revealing that his controversial comment was in response to a user who had written: ‘Brahmins are your fathers. The more you mess with them, the more they will burn you.’ His reply, while explosive, was meant as a rebuttal to caste-based abuse, he implied.

Controversy casts shadow over upcoming biopic Phule

The timing of the backlash coincides with tensions surrounding Phule, which stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in the lead roles.  

The film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, explores the lives of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, known for their fight against caste discrimination and advocacy for women’s education. 

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Originally slated for release on 11 April, Phule faced protests from Brahmin groups, resulting in delays and mandatory edits demanded by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film is now scheduled for release on 25 April, following compliance with the CBFC’s directives.

So will this die down before the film’s release? Or are we looking at another round of headlines? With Kashyap in the mix, it’s anyone’s guess.