The film was originally released across the country except West Bengal last September
NEW DELHI — Amid reports of post-election violence in West Bengal, including alleged attacks on Trinamool Congress (TMC) party offices that have caused concern among supporters, particularly Muslims, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has announced the release of his controversial film The Bengal Files in Kolkata and across the state on Friday.
Agnihotri had earlier accused the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of preventing the film’s release in the state when it was originally released across India last September.
Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent electoral victory in the state, the director reiterated the challenges faced by the film.
In a post on X, Agnihotri wrote, “Our trailer launch was blocked. We were attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive my award from the governor.”
He added, “But we never gave up. During these elections, we ensured the film was shown to as many people as possible across Bengal. I am glad we didn’t give up and fought in our own little way.”
The Bengal Files features Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar in key roles.
The Times of India quoted Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Cinemas in Kolkata, as saying, “A censored film didn’t get release in Bengal because of a party diktat. Not a single theatre could screen it while the rest of India watched it. There was so much curiosity about the film. I am glad Bengal will finally get to watch it.”
Distributor Satadeep Saha also confirmed that efforts are underway to release the film in more theatres across the state.
The Bengal Files did not screen in West Bengal due to what were described as political and distribution-related issues. Agnihotri had accused the Mamata Banerjee government of blocking its release.
