Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has publicly called out West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that Trinamool Congress supporters are intimidating theatre owners to prevent screenings of his upcoming film, The Bengal Files. The movie, set to release this Friday, is the final installment in Agnihotri’s The Files trilogy, following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). It dives into the violent communal riots of August 1946 in Kolkata, known as 'Direct Action Day'.

In a passionate video posted on X, Agnihotri pleaded with Banerjee to uphold free speech and ensure the film’s release without disruption. “You’ve sworn an oath to the Indian Constitution to protect every citizen’s rights, including freedom of expression,” he said, noting that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has already cleared the film. He claimed theatre owners in West Bengal are facing threats to cancel screenings, calling it an attack on history and free speech.

Agnihotri emphasised Bengal’s cultural legacy, stating, “Bengal has been India’s soul, leading the nation in 1905 and 1947. A true Bengali would not ban this film.” He challenged arguments against revisiting historical wounds, asking, “If the world can show films about various persecutions, why hide the Hindu genocide? Why keep lies alive?” He also referenced the halted trailer launch on August 17 at a Kolkata five-star hotel, labelling it a direct assault on free expression.

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Featuring a stellar cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Saswata Chatterjee, and Darshan Kumarr, The Bengal Files promises to stir debate. Agnihotri urged Banerjee to honour her constitutional duty and let the film reach audiences, arguing that the new generation deserves to know this pivotal chapter of India’s history.

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