Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files to release in Bengal after BJP victory

The film will return to theatres across West Bengal from Friday after the BJP came to power by defeating the Trinamool Congress government in the Assembly elections.

Agnihotri Recalls ‘Cancellation’ in Bengal

Agnihotri wrote on X, “NEVER AGAIN. For those who don’t know, @MamataOfficial cancelled me in Bengal after the release of The Kashmir Files. The film was taken out of cinema halls, and she said I would NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER Bengal. Last year, she BANNED The Bengal Files completely in West Bengal. Our trailer launch was blocked.”

“We were attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive my award from the Governor. But we never gave up,” he added.

The filmmaker further claimed that during the elections, the film "was shown to as many people as possible (underground) across Bengal".

“And finally… this unprecedented victory. Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk without fear, with your head held high,” he wrote.

Trailer Launch Chaos in Kolkata

Last year, chaos erupted at a five-star hotel in Kolkata after the trailer launch of The Bengal Files was abruptly stopped.

The trailer launch was disrupted midway, with Agnihotri alleging that organisers had snapped wires to stop the trailer screening.

Multiple FIRs were later filed against the filmmakers. Agnihotri subsequently secured interim relief from the Calcutta High Court in connection with the cases.

About the Film

The film, the third instalment in Agnihotri’s Files trilogy after The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, explores the traumatic events surrounding Bengal’s Direct Action Day and the 1946 Calcutta killings.

Written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi.

The cast includes Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumar.