Veteran actor Anupam Kher has given fans a behind-the-scenes look from his upcoming film The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri. On Instagram, Kher posted a video where he is seen walking alongside director Agnihotri, dressed in the iconic attire of Mahatma Gandhi. The actor is confirmed to portray Gandhi in the film, a fact already revealed in the trailer.
Trailer Launch and Controversy
Earlier this month, the trailer launch of The Bengal Files in Kolkata sparked heated controversy. Despite the uproar, Agnihotri went ahead and shared the highly anticipated trailer on his social media handle.
The film marks Agnihotri’s return to cinema after the blockbuster success of The Kashmir Files, which also featured Anupam Kher in a pivotal role. Agnihotri, a two-time National Award winner, has once again chosen to tackle a sensitive and bold chapter of India’s history.
Storyline and Historical Context
The Bengal Files takes audiences back to one of the most turbulent chapters in India’s pre-independence history. The film revisits the disturbing events that unfolded in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, a decade marked by deep communal divisions, violent clashes, and political turmoil.
The story mainly focuses on two significant events the Direct Action Day of 1946 and the Noakhali riots. Both episodes left an unforgettable scar on Bengal’s social fabric, with mass killings, destruction of homes, and widespread displacement. In the film, these tragic incidents are described as a “Hindu Genocide,” underlining the scale of suffering faced by the community.
Also Read: The Bengal Files: ‘Truth cannot be buried’, Were We Taught Wrong History?
Powerful Visuals in the Trailer
The trailer begins with a strong monologue that sets the tone by explaining Bengal’s fragile condition before the Partition of India. It captures the anxiety and unrest brewing in society at the time.
As the visuals unfold, audiences are shown haunting depictions of riots in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata). Streets drenched in violence, homes set ablaze, and innocent people caught in the middle reflect the intensity of the bloodshed. These sequences highlight how communal tensions spiraled into large-scale brutality.
In one striking scene, Bengal is referred to as the “lighthouse of India,” symbolizing its role in leading resistance against Partition. However, the trailer juxtaposes this symbolism with images of devastation, showing how the region descended into chaos despite its cultural and political importance.
From the sets of @vivekagnihotri’s #TheBengalFiles! 🙏 @pallavijoshiofficial #Gandhi #BehindTheScenes pic.twitter.com/vrLOoqeBlL
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) August 24, 2025
Strong Cast and Performances
The trailer showcases intense performances from an ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumaar. One scene portrays Bengal as the “lighthouse” of India, symbolizing its resistance against the Partition. The Bengal Files is scheduled to release in theatres on September 5, 2025, and is expected to spark wide debate given its subject matter.
Also Read: The Bengal Files: Saswata Chatterjee Claims Misled, Pallavi Joshi Hits Back
