Mumbai’s film circles are buzzing with the raw revelations from director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri about the tumultuous journey of his latest cinematic venture, ‘The Bengal Files.’ This film, the third in his hard-hitting ‘Files’ trilogy following ‘The Tashkent Files’ and ‘The Kashmir Files,’ dives deep into the harrowing events of the 1946 Direct Action Day, Noakhali riots, and the Hindu massacres during India’s partition.
From the outset, production was a nightmare. Just as shooting was set to commence, the team suffered a devastating blow with the sudden death of production designer Rajat Poddar. Massive sets were in progress, but the crew rallied, honoring his memory by pushing through to complete the ambitious visuals.
Agnihotri shared in an exclusive interview that 2025 tested his resolve like never before. ‘Making films on sensitive truths is always tough, but this was next level,’ he reflected. Despite securing certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the release faced ferocious opposition.
In Kolkata, theaters were attacked, threats poured in from political and activist quarters, and an unofficial ban was imposed in West Bengal. Multiplex chains buckled under pressure from police and local powers, refusing to screen the film. Even India’s largest exhibition networks couldn’t defy the blockade.
‘This isn’t just about one movie; it’s a symptom of deeper issues plaguing democracy and free speech,’ Agnihotri asserted. He pointed fingers at systemic failures where institutions meant to protect expression faltered. Media outcry and activist campaigns fell on deaf ears as powerful forces stifled the narrative.
Yet, where ‘The Bengal Files’ did reach audiences—middle-class families, farmers, workers, genuine journalists, and fellow filmmakers—it sparked awakening. Viewers confronted not only buried history but the ongoing suppression of present-day truths. Agnihotri views this saga as a lesson for creators: no matter the might, certain shadows loom large.
Drawing from his book ‘Urban Naxal,’ he warns of forces undermining the nation’s future. ‘How will the next generation fight back?’ he asks. Despite the odds, the film’s resilience proves that truth, though buried deep, refuses to stay silent forever.
