The Bengal Files Controversy: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, one of the most anticipated films of the year, has been embroiled in controversy. Since the launch of the teaser, the film has faced multiple FIRs registered by members of Mamata Banerjee’s TMC over its portrayal of the 1946 riots. Amid the row, actor Saswata Chatterjee, who plays the antagonist in the film, distanced himself from the controversy, stating that he is not a historian and it's not his job to interpret history.

Saswata Chatterjee's reaction came days after Kolkata authorities cancelled the trailer launch of The Bengal Files, which led Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri to call out India’s biggest cinema chain for cancelling the launch, allegedly due to mounting political pressure. Clarifying his stance on the film's controversies, Saswata, in an interview with The Wall, said, "I am just an actor. I liked a character and I played it. I am not a historian to think about what history says and this is distorting history. It's not my job. If those whose job it is feel that Bengal is being belittled, then they can go to court with the information. There is no point is just making noise."

Admitting he was unaware of the film's title change while shooting, he stated, "While the shooting was going on, the name of the film was Delhi Files and after the shooting was completed, I came to know that it was changed to The Bengal Files. That is not in my hands."

Claiming that it has become a trend not to reveal the whole film's plot, Saswata added, "I don't know. Let me tell you this. Nowadays, it's a trend, the whole story won't be told to anyone. You only get to know your track, your character. And when I was told about the role, I found the character to be amazing. It's a villain's character and very few people get such characters to play."

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What Is The Bengal Files Controversy?

Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files is courting controversy ahead of its release for several reasons. After the trailer launch, which was halted in Kolkata, the film faced backlash over the portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, a renowned Bengali fighter who had played a significant role in the 1946 riots. The film’s trailer introduced the character named Gopal Patha as Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha (There was a butcher named Gopal Patha), played by Bengali actor Sourav Das. This portrayal was questioned by Gopal Mukherjee’s grandson, Shantanu, who filed a police complaint against Agnihotri after the trailer's release, accusing the film of misrepresenting his grandfather's identity as a leader. TMC members have also alleged issues with the portrayal of key figures in the film.

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The Bengal Files Cast

The film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar. As per reports, The Bengal Files might skip release in West Bengal. Vivek Agnihotri directorial is slated to hit cinemas on September 5, 2025.