Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s highly anticipated The Bengal Files has become the center of a heated controversy just days before its scheduled release on September 5, 2025. The filmmaker and his wife, Pallavi Joshi, have made unprecedented appeals to the President of India, alleging systematic efforts to prevent the film’s screening in West Bengal.
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The Controversy Unfolds
The Bengal Files, the final installment in Agnihotri’s acclaimed truth trilogy after The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, has faced significant resistance from various quarters. The director alleges that Trinamool Congress workers are intimidating local theatre owners to prevent them from screening the movie, which focuses on the historical 1946 Kolkata Direct Action Day riots.
The situation escalated when Vivek Agnihotri alleged that Kolkata Police stopped ‘The Bengal Files’ trailer launch despite censor clearance and High Court stay on ban, raising questions about freedom of expression and artistic liberty.
Film Details and Cast Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Director | Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri |
| Producers | Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri |
| Lead Cast | Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar |
| CBFC Rating | A (Adults Only) |
| Runtime | 204 minutes (3 hours 24 minutes) |
| Historical Context | 1946 Direct Action Day, Kolkata |
| Advance Booking Collection | ₹14.49 lakh (as of latest reports) |
| Tickets Sold | 4,945+ tickets |
| Screens Secured | 911 screens across India |
Presidential Appeal and Political Tensions
In an unprecedented move, Pallavi Joshi pens an open letter to the President of India Droupadi Murmu following what she describes as an unofficial ban on the film. The appeal highlights the gravity of the situation and the filmmakers’ concerns about democratic values and artistic freedom.
The controversy has taken a personal turn, with Agnihotri directly addressing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioning the state’s approach to the film’s release.
Box Office Performance Amid Chaos
Despite the surrounding controversy, The Bengal Files has managed to generate decent advance booking numbers. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, The Bengal Files has collected Rs 14.49 lakh so far, and the numbers are expected to rise. The film has secured bookings across 911 screens nationwide, though many of these may be outside West Bengal.
CBFC Certification and Content Concerns
The film has received an A (adults only) certificate from the CBFC, with a runtime of 204 minutes, with reasons citing extreme violence and gory content. This rating suggests the film deals with sensitive historical events uncompromisingly, potentially explaining some of the resistance it faces.
The Bigger Picture: Artistic Freedom vs Political Sensitivity
The Bengal Files represents more than just another film release – it’s become a litmus test for artistic freedom in contemporary India. The movie deals with the sensitive topic of the 1946 Direct Action Day riots, a dark chapter in Bengal’s history that continues to evoke strong emotions.
The filmmaker’s trilogy approach, starting with The Tashkent Files and gaining massive success with The Kashmir Files, has established Agnihotri as a director unafraid to tackle controversial historical subjects. However, this latest installment seems to have struck the most sensitive nerve.
What’s Next for The Bengal Files?
As the September 5 release date approaches, the future of The Bengal Files remains uncertain, particularly in West Bengal. Several promotional events, including the trailer premiere and press meets scheduled in Kolkata, have reportedly been cancelled.
The film industry and audiences nationwide are closely watching how this situation unfolds, as it could set important precedents for future releases dealing with sensitive historical subjects.
Industry Response and Public Opinion
Early reactions to The Bengal Files have been intense, with viewers describing it as “shocking” and “haunting.” The film’s treatment of historical events appears to be as uncompromising as its predecessors, which could explain both the strong reactions and the resistance it faces.
The controversy surrounding The Bengal Files highlights the complex relationship between cinema, history, and politics in contemporary India. As the release date approaches, all eyes are on whether artistic expression will prevail over political pressure.
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