The Bengal Files Review: A Bold Political Drama Facing Turmoil
The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, released on 5 September 2025. It completes his ambitious Files Trilogy after The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). While the earlier films dealt with Lal Bahadur Shastri’s mysterious death and the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, this film shifts focus to Bengal’s violent past and present political struggles.
The movie explores two different timelines. It begins with the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 and the Noakhali riots, events that left deep scars before India’s independence. It then moves to present-day India, where a CBI officer investigates the disappearance of a tribal girl. Through this dual structure, the director draws parallels between historical tragedies and today’s political climate.
The film runs for 204 minutes, making it one of the longest Indian films in recent years. It combines history, fiction, and investigative drama, intending to shock the audience into reflecting on communal violence, political manipulation, and the role of memory in shaping society.
Plot and Performances
The story follows Shiva Pandit, a CBI officer played by Darshan Kumar. He investigates the case of a missing tribal girl, but soon finds himself uncovering disturbing links to Bengal’s past.
Pallavi Joshi delivers a powerful performance as Maa Bharati, a survivor of the 1946 violence, whose memories haunt the present. Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher (who plays Gandhi), Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Simrat Kaur, and Puneet Issar bring depth to the ensemble cast.
Several performances stand out. Pallavi Joshi’s emotional depth connects the audience to the trauma of the riots. Mithun Chakraborty brings weight to his role, reminding viewers of Bengal’s cultural and political heritage. Simrat Kaur’s monologue has become a talking point online, with fans calling it the “performance of a lifetime.”
Critical Reception
The reviews of The Bengal Files have been sharply divided.
- Some critics admire the film’s bold visuals, emotional weight, and performances. They call it “hard-hitting” and “fearless” in its depiction of history and its critique of politics. Ratings from this group range from 3 to 4 stars out of 5.
- Other critics find the movie too long, too violent, and too politically one-sided. They argue that the non-linear structure weakens the storytelling and makes it exhausting for viewers. Some mainstream outlets gave it 2 or even 1.5 stars out of 5, calling it “overstretched” and “dramatic to a fault.”
This wide gap in critical opinion reflects how Agnihotri’s style polarizes audiences. Supporters view his work as revealing hidden truths, while detractors see it as propaganda.
Audience Reactions
Audiences across India and abroad have shown strong emotional responses.
Foreign viewers who attended early screenings called the film “gut-wrenching” and “unforgettable.” Social media in India filled with posts describing it as a mirror to Bengal’s dark past. Many users praised the film’s courage in addressing sensitive history.
However, the film also faced backlash. Some screenings were canceled, including one in a Mumbai multiplex despite strong bookings. Reports suggested political and legal pressure in certain regions, especially in West Bengal.
The online debate has been heated. Some users celebrated the film as an act of truth-telling, while others criticized it as divisive.
Box Office Performance
Despite the strong buzz, The Bengal Files opened below expectations.
- On its first day, it earned about ₹1.75 crore.
- In comparison, Agnihotri’s earlier film The Kashmir Files had earned ₹3.55 crore on day one.
The occupancy rate remained low: around 15% for morning shows and 29% for evening shows. Even in big cities like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, it averaged only 21% occupancy.
One major reason for the weak opening was fierce competition. On the same weekend, Hollywood’s The Conjuring: Last Rites earned nearly ₹18 crore, while Tiger Shroff’s action film Baaghi 4 pulled in ₹12 crore. Against such big releases, The Bengal Files struggled to draw crowds.
Advance bookings also disappointed. Reports showed that despite strong online discussions, actual ticket sales fell short.
Release Challenges and Controversies
The film faced several release challenges that added to its troubles.
- West Bengal Dispute: Vivek Agnihotri claimed that theatre owners in Bengal were pressured and threatened not to screen the film. He described it as an “unofficial ban.” Producer Pallavi Joshi even appealed to the President of India for protection of artistic freedom.
- Legal Petition: A legal dispute arose over the portrayal of freedom fighter Gopal Patha. His grandson filed a petition alleging misrepresentation. The Calcutta High Court began hearing the matter, adding more uncertainty.
- International Delay: The release got delayed in countries like Singapore, UAE, and Malaysia due to censorship hurdles. This slowed down global box office momentum.
Despite these challenges, the makers confirmed that an OTT release will follow the theatrical run, ensuring a wider audience in the long term.
Thematic Analysis
Agnihotri uses graphic visuals and emotional storytelling to highlight Bengal’s violent chapters. He wants the audience to feel disturbed, not comfortable.
The film draws parallels between 1946 riots and present-day communal and political tensions. By combining history with a modern crime investigation, it suggests that unresolved trauma continues to shape today’s society.
Supporters argue that such films spark necessary conversations about forgotten histories. Critics, however, say it oversimplifies complex events and risks fueling division.
Strengths of the Film
- Performances: Strong acting by Pallavi Joshi, Simrat Kaur, and Mithun Chakraborty.
- Cinematography: Haunting visuals that recreate both colonial-era riots and modern Bengal landscapes.
- Courage: The film dares to address sensitive topics that mainstream cinema often avoids.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Runtime: At over 3 hours, the movie feels stretched. Some sequences could have been tighter.
- Narrative Flow: The non-linear jumps between past and present confuse the audience.
- Tone: Heavy focus on violence and suffering makes it emotionally exhausting.
- Political Slant: The messaging feels one-sided to many viewers.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 5 September 2025 |
| Runtime | 204 minutes |
| Director | Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri |
| Genre | Political drama, historical thriller |
| Opening Day Collection | ₹1.75 crore |
| Audience Reaction | Intense, mixed — strong praise for acting, criticism for pacing |
| Critical Ratings | Range from 1.5 stars to 4 stars |
| Controversies | Alleged unofficial ban in Bengal, legal petition over historical figure |
| Competition | Faced The Conjuring: Last Rites and Baaghi 4 on release weekend |
| OTT Release | Confirmed after theatrical run |
Conclusion
The Bengal Files stands as one of the most controversial films of 2025. It combines history, politics, and emotional storytelling to deliver a disturbing reminder of Bengal’s violent past. The film succeeds in sparking debate and delivering strong performances, but its length, structure, and divisive tone weaken its impact.
At the box office, it underperforms, partly due to strong competition and partly due to controversies around its release. Yet, its boldness ensures it will not be forgotten easily. Once it reaches streaming platforms, it may find a new wave of viewers curious to see what the debate is all about.
The film shows how cinema in India continues to be more than entertainment — it is also a battlefield of memory, politics, and public opinion.
