Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, known for his blockbuster The Kashmir Files, has released the much-awaited trailer of his upcoming film The Bengal Files. The trailer, shared by Agnihotri on his social media handle, came a day after a dramatic controversy disrupted its launch event in Kolkata.
The movie revisits one of the most violent chapters in India’s pre-independence history. It narrates the story of the alleged “Hindu Genocide” in Bengal during the 1946 Direct Action Day, when large-scale communal clashes broke out. The film also covers the Noakhali riots of 1946, portraying the widespread violence and its devastating impact on society.
The trailer begins with a powerful monologue describing Bengal’s social and political situation before Partition. It highlights Bengal’s intellectual resistance to the division of the state while also depicting the brutality of communal clashes.
The cast includes Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumaar, all seen delivering intense performances in the trailer. Graphic visuals show riots, killings, and chaos that unfolded in Kolkata during those years. In one striking dialogue, Bengal is described as the “lighthouse” of India, underlining its crucial role in shaping national identity.
While unveiling the trailer on Instagram, Agnihotri wrote, "In memory of the victims of Direct Action Day (16th August 1946), I present to you the official trailer of #TheBengalFiles, the boldest film ever on the untold story of the Hindu genocide. In cinemas 5th September 2025."
The trailer release faced hurdles in Kolkata on Saturday. The event, scheduled at ITC Royal Bengal Hotel, ran into trouble when organisers suddenly stopped the screening, despite prior permissions.
A visibly upset Agnihotri addressed the audience and said, "Please bear with us... all this happened with permissions and approvals, and now, at the last minute, they are saying we cannot play the trailer... It seems there are two constitutions in India — one Indian constitution and one special constitution that runs here."
He further alleged sabotage at the venue, "Some people came here and cut all the wires. I don’t know on whose orders this is happening. The hotel managers still can’t tell us why we are not allowed to continue. If this is not dictatorship or fascism, then what is? Law and order in your state has failed, and this is the reason that everyone supports The Bengal Files."
Despite the chaos in Kolkata, Agnihotri confirmed that The Bengal Files will release in cinemas on September 5, 2025. The filmmaker has positioned the project as one of his boldest works, following the success and debate stirred by The Kashmir Files.
