The Bengal Files: A Powerful and Controversial Deep Dive into History

 

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, known for his thought-provoking and often controversial "Files Trilogy," has released the final installment, The Bengal Files. Following the critical and commercial success of The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, this new film delves into another dark and painful chapter of modern Indian history: the communal violence that rocked Bengal in the 1940s.

 

 

The Story and Its Historical Context

 

The Bengal Files is a fictional drama inspired by real historical events. The film's narrative centers around the horrific Direct Action Day of August 16, 1946, also known as the Great Calcutta Killings, and the subsequent Noakhali riots. Through a gripping storyline, the movie aims to shed light on these long-suppressed chapters of Indian history, portraying the human cost of political power struggles and the brutal violence that led to immense tragedy. The film's central plot follows a criminal investigator who, while probing a case, uncovers the truth about these historical events.

 

 

A Stellar Cast and Critical Reception

 

The film features a powerful ensemble cast, a hallmark of Agnihotri's work. The lineup includes veteran actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, and Pallavi Joshi, along with Darshan Kumaar and Simratt Kaur. The performances have been widely praised for their intensity and emotional depth, with many critics noting that the film's raw and disturbing imagery successfully evokes anger, despair, and reflection.

 

 

Box Office Performance and Controversy

 

The Bengal Files was released on September 5, 2025, and has had a mixed start at the box office. While it is maintaining a slow but steady run, its collections have not matched the massive success of The Kashmir Files. The film's box office journey has been particularly challenging due to its clash with big-ticket releases like Tiger Shroff's Baaghi 4 and the Hollywood film The Conjuring: Final Rites.

 

The film has also been at the center of a major controversy. Vivek Agnihotri alleged that the film faced an "unofficial ban" in West Bengal, with theatre owners reportedly being intimidated and refusing to screen the film under political pressure. Despite an official 'A' (adults only) certificate from the CBFC due to its violent and gory content, the film's makers have had to publicly appeal to authorities to ensure its smooth release across the country.

 

The film's reception has been polarized, with some viewers calling it a "gut-wrenching cinematic experience" that dares to confront a "buried" past, while others have criticized it for its political narrative and heavy-handed approach. Nevertheless, The Bengal Files has successfully sparked a public conversation and has become one of the most talked-about films of the year.