Vivek Agnihotri’s much-debated political thriller 'The Bengal Files' released its trailer a day after Independence Day, but the Kolkata launch was mired in controversy over allegations of political pressure.
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Kolkata : Vivek Agnihotri’s much-debated political thriller 'The Bengal Files' released its trailer a day after Independence Day, but the Kolkata launch was mired in controversy over allegations of political pressure.
Kolkata witnessed a stormy weekend over the release of the trailer of Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film 'The Bengal Files', the third installment in his politically charged 'Files' series. The trailer, which dropped a day after Independence Day, coincided with August 16—the anniversary of the infamous Direct Action Day of 1946, a communal bloodbath in Bengal’s history. Agnihotri said he deliberately chose this date to evoke memories of that violence.
However, the trailer launch in Kolkata was not without controversy. The filmmaker alleged that the city event was abruptly cancelled due to political pressure. “I never imagined that on the soil of Satyajit Ray, I would face such circumstances,” Agnihotri remarked, voicing disappointment at what he described as an attempt to stifle the film’s promotion.
Local authorities, however, have countered his claims. Officials pointed out that the director did not obtain mandatory permissions from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to hold the event, especially considering the presence of multiple celebrities which required additional police security. With no evidence presented to support his claims of political interference, many have questioned the legitimacy of his allegations.
Despite the dispute, the trailer eventually went live on Saturday, triggering sharp reactions across social media. Some viewers have even speculated that the cancellation controversy was itself a calculated 'publicity stunt' to generate buzz around the film.
The trailer presents a grim and evocative portrayal of Partition-era Bengal. Agnihotri’s cinematic frames capture the river Ganga at dusk, the iconic Howrah Bridge, and the violence unleashed during the communal riots of 1946. The narrative suggests how the seeds of division, allegedly sown by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, influenced national politics. Themes of communal polarization, religious violence, and political conspiracies dominate the film’s canvas.
The cast includes Shaswat Chatterjee in a key role, Saurav Das as Gopal Patha, Anupam Kher as Mahatma Gandhi, and Pallavi Joshi as a nun. The film marks Agnihotri’s continuation of his politically controversial storytelling after 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files'.
Interestingly, 'The Bengal Files' was initially teased in October last year under the working title 'The Delhi Files', with a subline referring to 'he Bengal Chapter'. The final title change in June, just ahead of Bengal’s high-stakes 2026 Assembly polls, has fueled further speculation about the director’s motives.
Whether an artistic retelling of Partition history or a politically loaded commentary, 'The Bengal Files' has already ensured that its trailer release will be remembered as much for its surrounding drama as for its cinematic content.
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