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The Bengal Files trailer controversy has triggered a major political and cultural storm in West Bengal, placing art, cinema, and free expression at the centre of a heated national discussion. Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the film seeks to depict the events surrounding Direct-Action Day and the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings—one of the darkest and most violent chapters in Bengal’s political history. With a star cast featuring Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi, the film is scheduled for release on September 5.
The controversy, however, has drawn as much attention as the film itself, raising questions about whether political power struggles are silencing cinema or if filmmakers are using controversy to amplify their reach.
The Bengal Files: Trailer Launch Disrupted in Kolkata
On Friday, director Vivek Agnihotri revealed on social media that the trailer launch of The Bengal Files at a leading multiplex in Kolkata had been cancelled. To overcome this setback, the film’s team organized a private launch event the following day at a five-star hotel. But the event was disrupted midway when police officials allegedly intervened and stopped the screening.
Agnihotri, visibly upset, described the incident as “dictatorship” and “fascism,” questioning why a Central Board of Film Certification-approved trailer with all necessary permissions was blocked from being shown at a private venue. “This is anarchy,” he told the media, accusing the authorities of acting under political pressure.
The Bengal Files: Political Firestorm Between TMC and BJP
The disruption quickly escalated into a political battle. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed the film as propaganda designed to stir unrest, with spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya claiming, “People of Bengal are not interested in such films. They are only seeking media attention by creating drama.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, lashed out at the state government. Union minister and Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar called the incident “a disgraceful episode” and “a chilling reminder of how Bengal is being ruled under jungle-raj and authoritarian arrogance.”
This clash reflects the deep political divide in Bengal, where art and cinema often become tools of political messaging and resistance.
The Bengal Files: Agnihotri’s Response and Legal Battles
Agnihotri has openly accused the West Bengal government of trying to silence his voice. Earlier this month, he revealed that multiple FIRs were filed against him and the film. However, the Calcutta High Court issued an interim stay on those FIRs, providing temporary relief to the filmmaker.
“Why are they so scared of the truth? I will not be silenced,” Agnihotri wrote on social media, comparing the current backlash to the controversy his previous film The Kashmir Files stirred in 2022.
The Bengal Files – More Than Just a Film?
Beyond its storyline, The Bengal Files has already become a symbol of the ongoing conflict between creative freedom and political sensitivities. For many, the blocking of the trailer highlights the fragile relationship between art and politics in India’s democracy.
With its release set for September 5, the film has already sparked nationwide curiosity. Supporters argue that cinema must have the freedom to tell uncomfortable truths, while critics warn that films like this can inflame tensions.
Conclusion: A Debate Bigger Than a Film
Whether seen as a powerful attempt to revisit Bengal’s turbulent past or dismissed as political propaganda, The Bengal Files has succeeded in igniting a national debate. The trailer controversy has amplified the film’s visibility and raised crucial questions: Should filmmakers be free to explore controversial history, or should political sensitivities dictate what is shown?
As Bengal, the land once home to Tagore and Ray, grapples with these questions, The Bengal Files has already ensured its place in the cultural and political spotlight—even before its official release.
Frequently Asked Questions on The Bengal Files Controversy
Q1. What is The Bengal Files about?
The Bengal Files is a film directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri that focuses on the events of Direct-Action Day and the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings. The movie aims to shed light on one of the most violent and lesser-discussed chapters in Bengal’s political history.
Q2. When is The Bengal Files releasing?
The film is scheduled for release on September 5, 2024, with a powerful cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi.
Q3. Why was The Bengal Files trailer launch disrupted in Kolkata?
The trailer launch was first cancelled at a Kolkata multiplex and later disrupted during a hotel screening. Director Vivek Agnihotri alleged that the Kolkata Police, under political pressure, stopped the trailer mid-way despite it being CBFC-approved and screened with permissions.
Q4. What has director Vivek Agnihotri said about the controversy?
Agnihotri described the disruption as “dictatorship” and “fascism,” questioning why his voice was being silenced. He also pointed out that multiple FIRs were filed against the film, but the Calcutta High Court granted a stay on them.
Q5. What is the political controversy surrounding The Bengal Files?
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed the film as propaganda, while the BJP has accused the TMC of authoritarian tactics and silencing free speech. This has turned the film into a flashpoint of political rivalry in Bengal.
Q6. Is The Bengal Files connected to The Kashmir Files?
Yes, both films are directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. The Kashmir Files released in 2022 also faced political debate and controversy, and The Bengal Files is now facing similar resistance before its release.
Q7. Why is The Bengal Files being called more than just a film?
Beyond cinema, the film has become a symbol of the clash between creative freedom and political sensitivities. Supporters believe it’s about truth-telling, while critics argue it could inflame communal and political tensions.
Q8. Where can audiences watch The Bengal Files trailer?
Despite disruptions at physical events, the trailer is expected to be launched digitally across platforms like YouTube and social media channels before the film’s theatrical release.