Mumbai: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s latest political thriller, “The Bengal Files,” has emerged as one of the boldest releases in recent Indian cinema. The film revisits the tragic events of Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946, and the ensuing Noakhali riots, intertwining historical accounts with present-day narratives to create a gripping cinematic experience. Despite facing initial hurdles, including a temporary ban in West Bengal, the movie managed to secure a special screening and sparked widespread discussion nationwide.
Agnihotri recently offered audiences a glimpse behind the scenes, sharing a BTS video that highlighted the immense effort and coordination required to bring the historical drama to life. The video shows a large crew working tirelessly, meticulously recreating the era and ensuring every detail contributes to the film’s authenticity. Captioning the video, the director wrote, “Come, see what goes behind the making of #TheBengalFiles.” Fans responded enthusiastically, with comments praising the realism of the sets and the dedication of the cast and crew.
While the movie generated strong initial interest, its box office performance has been mixed. Opening at Rs 1.75 crore on its first Friday, the film saw weekend growth, with Saturday and Sunday earnings climbing to Rs 2.25 crore and Rs 2.75 crore, respectively. However, weekday collections dropped sharply, with Monday’s revenue recorded at Rs 1.15 crore. Comparisons with Agnihotri’s previous hit, “The Kashmir Files”, suggest that while “The Bengal Files” drew attention for its subject matter, it struggled to maintain momentum amid competition from releases like The Conjuring and Baaghi 4.
The film features an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Namashi Chakraborty, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and others. Produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri under Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha Productions, “The Bengal Files” is part of Agnihotri’s Files Trilogy, alongside The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The film officially released in theaters on September 5, 2025.
Through its intense storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail, “The Bengal Files” not only recounts pivotal moments in Indian history but also invites audiences to reflect on the human cost of communal unrest. Agnihotri’s efforts to provide an authentic cinematic experience—both on screen and behind the camera—have contributed to a film that resonates with history buffs, cinema enthusiasts, and those seeking to understand the complexities of India’s past.
