Bhimshakti Sangathana Goa Demands More Shows and Tax-Free Status for ‘Phule’ Biopic
Panaji, April 26, 2025 —
The Bhimshakti Sangathana Goa, has submitted a heartfelt appeal to the Chief Minister of Goa, urging for increased screenings and a tax-free status for the newly released biopic Phule.
Released on April 25, 2025, the film vividly portrays the monumental contributions of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule — two towering figures in India’s social reform and education movement. Highlighting their relentless efforts to fight caste discrimination and champion women’s education, the film is seen as an important tool for inspiring the youth towards building a just and inclusive society.
At present, Phule is being screened only once daily at INOX theatres in Porvorim, Panaji, and Margao, at timings that are inconvenient for families and students. Bhimshakti Sangathana has requested the government to urge INOX Cinemas to significantly increase the number of daily shows and to schedule them at times more accessible to children, students, and working individuals.
In their letter, the organization emphasized how Jyotiba Phule’s establishment of the first girls’ school in 1848 and the founding of the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 paved the way for modern India’s ideals of equality and social justice. “In today’s time, where societal divides still exist, the teachings of the Phules are more relevant than ever,” the letter states. “This movie can serve as a spark for the younger generation to stand up against injustice and embrace education as a tool for societal transformation.”
In addition to requesting more screenings, Bhimshakti Sangathana has called for Phule to be made tax-free in Goa, following the precedent set by movies like Chaava, The Kashmir Files . A tax exemption would reduce ticket costs and facilitate group screenings by schools, colleges, and community organizations, further amplifying the film’s powerful message.
Former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes also took to social media, appealing to the youth and especially women to watch Phule, calling it “a tribute to India’s first pioneers of women’s education.” Gomes stressed the importance of increasing the number of screenings and making the movie tax-free to reach a wider audience.
Notable citizens and activists are also supporting the this.
The demand is gaining strong support across Goa as more voices join in to celebrate the timeless legacy of the Phules and push for greater accessibility to their inspiring story.
