Bengal Files Trailer Blocked in Kolkata – All You Need to Know
The trailer launch of The Bengal Files in Kolkata was stopped twice, sparking political controversy over free speech, censorship, and alleged propaganda.
In August 2025, the trailer launch of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s new movie The Bengal Files faced serious issues in Kolkata. The event was first planned at a multiplex, but it got cancelled. Later, the team moved the launch to a five-star hotel for a private screening, but that was also stopped. According to Agnihotri, the police and hotel staff cut the wires in the screening room to stop the trailer from playing. However, Kolkata Police said that the organisers did not have official permission to hold a public event.
This led to a political argument. Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Agnihotri of spreading political propaganda. In response, Agnihotri called the situation “dictatorship,” meaning one person or group is trying to control everything. The incident has now become a topic of national debate, raising questions about freedom of speech, political pressure, and the role of cinema in society.
The Bengal Files is a historical-political film directed by Vivek Agnihotri, who is known for his earlier films like The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. ISH News had earlier covered The Kashmir Files, and viewers can watch that video for background. The new movie is expected to release on 5th September 2025 and focuses on painful chapters from Bengal’s past. It includes events such as the 1946 Calcutta Riots, Direct Action Day, the Noakhali riots, and the violence faced during partition. The film aims to highlight what the makers call a Hindu genocide and stories that have been hidden from public memory.
According to the director, the film is based on years of research and old records. It tries to show stories that were left out of mainstream history. The cast features many popular Bollywood and Bengali actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Pallavi Joshi, Saswata Chatterjee, and Sourav Das. The trailer begins with strong statements about Bengal’s divided identity and is designed to spark discussion. The film’s team believes they are simply telling the truth about history.
However, the trailer has created tension with the West Bengal government and the ruling TMC party. Several FIRs have been filed against the filmmakers. The TMC says the movie is political and is made to damage Bengal’s image and create division before elections. They also criticised Agnihotri for not making films on other sensitive topics like Gujarat or Manipur. Blocking the trailer launch and cutting power during events were seen as government efforts to stop what they call divisive content. On the other hand, supporters of the film argue that this is an attack on democracy and freedom of speech.
The trailer has received mixed reactions on social media. Many people praised it, calling it bold and emotional. They said it shows the truth and accused the government of trying to silence facts. Others, especially those supporting TMC, criticised the film, saying it spreads false stories and is meant to divide communities and influence voters. Some also raised concerns about hate speech and questioned the timing of the release before elections.
This entire issue has led to a bigger debate across the country. Should a film be stopped because it might affect public opinion? Or should people have the right to watch it and decide for themselves? The controversy around The Bengal Files shows how closely politics, films, and free speech are connected in today’s India.
