Director Vivek Agnihotri has alleged that the West Bengal government is obstructing the release of his film The Bengal Files and indicated that legal action may be pursued. The film, based on the Kolkata riots of August 1946, has sparked controversy even before its theatrical release.
Speaking to the media, Agnihotri said the government’s actions are “unlawful and against the Constitution” and that a writ petition is being considered. He claimed that government representatives have threatened theater owners, with some even asking, “If our theater is destroyed after releasing this film, what should we do?” He added that certain individuals had intimidated theater owners, prompting plans for legal recourse.
Producer Pallavi Joshi appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene, highlighting that millions of Bengali viewers are eager to watch the film. Starring Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar in key roles, The Bengal Files premiered today, although reports suggest it has not been released in certain regions of West Bengal.