The Bengal Files Movie Review: A hard-hitting take by Vivek Agnihotri on Direct Action Day, powered by controversy, strong performances, and a gripping story that refuses to stay silent.
Very few filmmakers in India manage to create a storm even before their film hits theatres, and Vivek Agnihotri is one of them. Known for choosing subjects that dig deep into history’s darkest chapters, his movies don’t rely on glamour, action, or romance to sell; they thrive on word of mouth, heated debates, and, quite often, controversy. From The Kashmir Files to The Vaccine War, his work has sparked nationwide conversations, winning both applause and criticism in equal measure. Now, Agnihotri is back with The Bengal Files, set to release on 5 September, and the buzz is already louder than ever.
The film, which focuses on the tragic events of 1946’s Direct Action Day, has been mired in debates from its very first teaser. Some people think it is an attempt to expose hard truths that today’s youth don’t know or learn in school, while others have called it propaganda and even called for a ban.
Controversy escalated further after police disrupted a screening in Kolkata, citing fears that the story might spark unrest. For many, the parallels Agnihotri draws claiming Bengal is “slowly turning into Kashmir” are enough to guarantee that this film won’t pass quietly. Public reaction to the trailer shows just how polarising the film already is. A section of the audience, especially the youth, is eager to watch what they describe as “a bigger shocker than The Kashmir Files.”
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It’s an opportunity to see a part of history that isn’t usually shown on film. The teaser itself, which shows dead bodies on the streets, vultures eating on them, and creepy pictures of Gandhi and Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has left some speechless. The Kashmir Files made people cry, but The Bengal Files looks like it will shake them to their core.
With such a sensitive subject at its heart, the film’s release could have consequences far beyond the cinema. Some believe it will reignite debates on India-Pakistan relations and deepen rifts between communities. Others argue that Agnihotri’s strategy is clear: every controversy, every clash, and every heated discussion only fuels more attention turning his films into massive box office successes. Whatever the outcome, one thing is sure: The Bengal Files is not just another movie, it’s already a battlefield before its release.
The Bengal Files cast brings together some of the most powerful names of Indian cinema. Anupam Kher appears as Mahatma Gandhi, Mithun Chakraborty takes on the striking role of Madman, while Rajesh Khera portrays Jinnah. Pallavi Joshi returns as Maa Bharati, with Dibyendu Bhattacharya playing Rajendralal Roychowdhary. Simratt Kaur Randhawa is seen as Young Bharati, and Mohan Kapur takes on the role of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy. Along with them, several other seasoned actors add strength to the ensemble, making it one of the most impactful casts seen in recent years.
