The Bengal Files Vivek Agnihotri Breaks Silence on Gujarat Riots Film, Says His Agenda is Different
Indian filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is no stranger to controversies. After delivering films such as The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, he has carved a unique space in Indian cinema with his politically charged and socially provocative storytelling. Now, as he gears up for the release of his next project The Bengal Files, the director once again finds himself in the eye of a storm.
At a recent press conference in Delhi, following the dramatic trailer launch row in Kolkata, Agnihotri was asked a question that has long been whispered in film and political circles — Will he ever make a film on the Gujarat riots? His response has since gone viral and sparked a nationwide debate. The Bengal Files
In this detailed post, we break down everything about Agnihotri’s upcoming movie, the controversy surrounding its trailer, his remarks on the Gujarat riots, and what The Bengal Files means for the future of his “Files” series.
Who is Vivek Agnihotri? From Parallel Cinema to Political Storytelling
Before diving into the controversy, it is important to understand the filmmaker behind these bold cinematic choices. The Bengal Files
Vivek Agnihotri began his career directing commercial films and even tried his hand at light-hearted projects, but his real recognition came with The Tashkent Files (2019). The film, which explored the mysterious death of India’s former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, was made on a modest budget but became a sleeper hit.
His next major release, The Kashmir Files (2022), completely changed his image. The film, which depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, was both critically debated and commercially successful. It grossed over ₹300 crores worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon. While it received praise from certain sections of society for highlighting a “forgotten tragedy,” it also faced criticism for being politically motivated.
This duality — appreciation and backlash — has now become Agnihotri’s signature. And with The Bengal Files, he seems to be treading an even more sensitive path.
The Bengal Files: What is the Film About?
Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files is being touted as the third installment in his “Files” trilogy, after The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. The film explores the communal unrest in Bengal during the 1940s, particularly the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 and the Noakhali riots. The Bengal Files
These events, which unfolded during the last years of British colonial rule, were among the bloodiest episodes in Indian history. Thousands were killed, communities were displaced, and Bengal witnessed one of its darkest phases of communal violence.
Despite their historical significance, these tragedies are rarely discussed in mainstream discourse or represented in Indian cinema. Agnihotri claims that this is precisely why he felt the need to bring them to the big screen.
The film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Saswata Chatterjee, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar. Produced by Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal, the movie has been shot extensively across Kolkata and recreated period backdrops to capture the atmosphere of 1940s Bengal.
The Kolkata Trailer Launch Controversy
The film’s journey has not been smooth. In early August 2025, when the team organized a grand trailer launch in Kolkata, things took an unexpected turn.
According to Agnihotri, police and political pressure led to the screening being stopped midway. Videos from the event showed chaos, with organizers claiming they were not allowed to complete the program. This incident further fueled speculation that the film might face hurdles in release due to its sensitive content.
Speaking about the issue, Agnihotri said:
“Who fears truth? If history is so fragile that it cannot handle a film, then what does it say about us as a society? We will release this film on September 5, 2025, no matter what obstacles come our way.”
This statement received mixed reactions. While some applauded his courage, others felt he was deliberately courting controversy to promote the film.
Will There Be a Gujarat Riots Film?
At the Delhi press conference, a journalist asked whether Agnihotri would ever consider making a film on the 2002 Gujarat riots, one of the most controversial and politically sensitive chapters in recent Indian history.
The filmmaker, without hesitation, replied:
“I am not the Prime Minister of India. I don’t have to address every issue. I have an agenda — and that agenda is to tell stories that matter to me and that reflect deeper truths of our society.”
This response effectively ruled out the possibility of a Gujarat riots film from him, at least for now. Agnihotri emphasized that his Files series is not about covering every single political tragedy, but about highlighting what he believes are “forgotten, ignored, or deliberately suppressed” parts of Indian history.
The Philosophy Behind the “Files” Series
Many wonder why Agnihotri keeps returning to the Files format. The director has explained that each of these films requires years of study, research, and evidence-gathering.
“A movie like The Bengal Files has taken years of research. One cannot just wake up and decide to make a film on a sensitive topic.”
The idea, he says, is to create films that don’t just entertain but spark dialogue and force people to revisit historical truths. According to Agnihotri, cinema can be a powerful medium to bring suppressed narratives to light, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
Political & Cultural Significance of The Bengal Files
The choice of subject matter in The Bengal Files is significant for multiple reasons:
- Historical Neglect – While Partition and Punjab riots have been widely discussed, the Bengal massacres of the 1940s remain less explored in popular culture.
- Regional Importance – Bengal’s political and cultural history is deeply tied to India’s independence struggle, yet its communal tragedies have rarely been given cinematic space.
- Present-day Resonance – With political debates in Bengal still revolving around identity, communalism, and governance, the film inevitably carries modern-day relevance.
This intersection of past and present makes the project highly sensitive — and perhaps why it is already facing opposition.
Cast & Performances
The film boasts a stellar ensemble:
- Mithun Chakraborty – playing a pivotal role that connects the tragedy to Bengal’s cultural ethos.
- Anupam Kher – reuniting with Agnihotri after The Kashmir Files.
- Saswata Chatterjee & Priyanshu Chatterjee – representing local perspectives from Bengal.
- Pallavi Joshi – who not only acts but also co-produces the film.
- Darshan Kumar – continuing his collaboration after his impactful role in The Kashmir Files.
Together, this cast brings gravitas to the subject matter, ensuring that the film doesn’t just remain political commentary but also offers strong performances.
Public and Media Reactions
The buzz around The Bengal Files is already massive. Supporters of Agnihotri view him as a brave filmmaker willing to confront uncomfortable truths, while critics accuse him of pushing a political narrative under the guise of cinema.
Social media has amplified this divide. Hashtags like #TheBengalFiles and #VivekAgnihotri trended soon after the press conference. Supporters praised his stand on not being “obligated” to make a Gujarat riots film, while detractors accused him of selective storytelling.
Release and Expectations
The Bengal Files is slated for release on September 5, 2025. The film will not only test Agnihotri’s ability to handle another sensitive chapter but also reveal whether audiences are still as receptive to his Files brand of storytelling after the phenomenon of The Kashmir Files.
Industry experts predict that the film could spark heated debates across political and cultural lines, much like its predecessor.
Conclusion: Agnihotri’s Cinema of Confrontation
Vivek Agnihotri has once again positioned himself at the center of a national debate. By refusing to take on the Gujarat riots while passionately defending The Bengal Files, he has made it clear that his films are driven by personal research, ideological conviction, and a desire to spotlight what he perceives as hidden truths.
Whether one agrees with his methods or not, it is undeniable that Agnihotri has succeeded in making Indian cinema a battleground for historical memory and political identity. With The Bengal Files, he is set to ignite yet another round of conversations that may echo far beyond the cinema halls.