- By Aarushi Raina
- Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Bengal Files Controversy: Vivek Agnihotri’s political drama movie The Bengal Files was released in theatres nationwide on September 5, but has faced the 'unofficial ban' in Bengal. The film was not screened in major theatres in West Bengal despite not being banned. Amid this, Vivek received support from the audience and now the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed concern over the film's struggle to be screened in West Bengal. The association called out the action of theatres, stating that it's not only 'discouraging creative voices' but also a denial of the public's democratic right.
FWICE Calls Out Bengal Theatres Against ‘Undeclared Ban’
FWICE shared its views on The Bengal Files screening controversy in West Bengal. The authority, in a press statement, said, “It is shocking that a film which has been duly certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is facing such an undeclared ban."
Addressing the action taken by the theatre owners in West Bengal against Vivek Agnihotri's film, the letter read, "Such actions, whether direct or indirect, strike at the very heart of the constitutional right to freedom of expression. By doing so, they are not only discouraging creative voices but also denying the public its democratic right to choose the content it wishes to watch."
In the letter, FWICE also appealed to the government to take action so that film can be screened freely across West Bengal. They wrote, “take due cognisance of this undeclared ban and to ensure, with all necessary measures, that the film is screened across West Bengal without any obstruction or disturbance."
The association also lent its support to the producers of The Bengal Files, stating, "We stand by the producers of The Bengal Files and appeal to all the producer bodies across the country to raise their objections against this illegal ban. FWICE stands firmly in support of the fraternity of filmmakers and will not remain a silent spectator to any attempt that curtails the fundamental rights of expression and free dissemination of creative works."
Is There a Ban On The Bengal Files In West Bengal?
There is no official ban on Agnihotri's The Bengal Files in West Bengal by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. However, theatre owners in the city have mutually decided not to screen the film.
On the film's release nationwide on September 5, director Vivek Agnihotri urged the people of West Bengal to force the government to release the film in the state. His post on X read, “Please raise your voice and force Bengal government and multiplex chains to release it in Bengal.”
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What Is The Bengal Files All About?
The film's story centres around the tragic events surrounding Direct Action Day on 16 August 1946, also known as the Great Calcutta Killings. During this period, the violence quickly spread to the surrounding regions of the Bengal Presidency, including the Noakhali riots of 1946 and incidents in Tipperah and Comilla. This cinematic narrative by Vivek Agnihotri is brought to life on screen by actors Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Namashi Chakraborty, Simrat Kaur, Namashi Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Puneet Issar.
