The Bengal Files, Kolkata, Saturday: Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has alleged that the trailer launch event of his upcoming film The Bengal Files was abruptly stopped at the last moment at a five-star hotel in the city.
According to Agnihotri, a large contingent of Kolkata Police was deployed inside and outside the venue, and even the laptop meant for screening the trailer was seized by authorities.
Agnihotri’s Allegations
The director, who faced similar cancellations earlier, said he shifted the launch from a movie hall to a private hotel. Speaking to the media, Agnihotri expressed anger over the sudden disruption:
“All the screens were set, all tests completed last night. At the last minute, they said we cannot screen it. There is clear political pressure. If this is not dictatorship or fascism, then what is it? Law and order has failed in this state. That is why everyone supports The Bengal Files.”
He also claimed that wires at the hotel were cut to prevent the screening.
Agnihotri added that he had already approached the Calcutta High Court regarding multiple FIRs filed against him and hinted that he might move the Supreme Court if needed.
Reactions from the Film’s Team
Co-producer and actor Pallavi Joshi voiced her disappointment:
“I did not like the way my film was stopped. Is there freedom of expression here? Such a thing did not happen even in Kashmir. Can we say Kashmir is better than Bengal today?”
Producer Abhishek Agarwal also criticized the action, saying:
“The trailer was ready for launch but was stopped midway. During The Kashmir Files, nothing like this ever happened.”
Police Response
Police sources, however, stated that Agnihotri had only emailed a request for permission and that no official approval was given for the event.
Political Reactions
The controversy sparked sharp political exchanges.
- TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accused Agnihotri of spreading propaganda: “He is doing politically motivated drama. Why not make Gujarat Files or UP Files? He has come to malign Bengal. Taking Satyajit Ray’s name is an insult. Agnihotri is just a puppet of BJP.”
- BJP leader and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar strongly condemned the incident: “In the land of Satyajit Ray, this is shameful. The event was sabotaged under political pressure, wires were cut, and police were used to disrupt it. This is jungle-raj and authoritarian arrogance. What exactly is Mamata Banerjee so afraid of?”
About The Bengal Files
- Director & Writer: Vivek Agnihotri
- Cast: Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Pallavi Joshi
- Release Date: September 5
The film follows Agnihotri’s previous controversial works like The Kashmir Files and is expected to spark nationwide debate.
✅ Key Takeaways:
The Bengal Files set to release on September 5.
Vivek Agnihotri claims trailer launch was blocked under political pressure.
Hotel wires allegedly cut; police deployed at the venue.
Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal criticize the disruption.
TMC calls Agnihotri’s film “propaganda,” while BJP calls it “an attack on democracy.”
