A Dalit journalist, Sanjay Ambedkar, was reportedly assaulted by staff at PVR Cinemas in Prayagraj while trying to take audience reviews of the film Phule. The incident, which was captured on video, has gone viral, leading to widespread outrage and calls for strict action against those involved.
Ambedkar, who runs a YouTube channel named Bheemraj Dastak, visited PVR Cinemas to gather feedback from viewers leaving the theatre after watching Phule. Despite the film being shown, Ambedkar noticed that there were no promotional materials or posters for it inside the cinema. When he attempted to speak with moviegoers, PVR employees and bouncers allegedly confronted him.
Speaking to The Mooknayak, Sanjay described the situation, saying, “I came to take reviews of the film Phule. While I was speaking with some viewers, I was suddenly stopped. I continued my work, but soon the situation escalated, and they began assaulting us.”
Sanjay explained that both he and his colleague, Ravi Kumar, were attacked. “They caught hold of Ravi first, and when I intervened and asked them to stop, they started beating me too. We were dragged to the third floor, mistreated, and assaulted. Somehow, I managed to escape and informed the authorities. Ravi was held hostage inside and was released after half an hour.”
The incident was reportedly recorded on camera, showing PVR staff and bouncers as the alleged attackers. Sanjay confirmed, “We’ve filed an official complaint, and an FIR has been registered. The investigation is underway.”
He also expressed his concern for the safety of journalists in the country, citing recent attacks: “Journalists across the country are being targeted. In Fatehpur, journalist Dilip Saini was stabbed to death, Mukesh Chandrakar was killed, and Raghvendra Bajpai was shot dead in Sitapur. Journalists are not safe under the Yogi government. Is taking a movie review now a crime?”
The Prayagraj City DCP confirmed the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Based on the complaint received, an FIR has been registered at Civil Lines Police Station under relevant sections. Legal proceedings are underway.”
Police have filed the case based on Ravi Kumar’s complaint, with the FIR naming unknown PVR employees. The charges include sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Amendment 2015).
It is important to note that Phule has already sparked controversy, particularly with several Brahmin groups calling for a boycott of the film and opposing its screening. This backlash led to certain edits and modifications in the movie.
