In a move that is both poignant and powerful, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has launched the trailer for his highly anticipated film, “The Bengal Files,” in Kolkata today. The trailer has been launched on the anniversary of Direct Action Day, August 16, 1946, which sparked the “Great Calcutta Killings.” As the third part of Agnihotri’s “Files Trilogy,” the film aims to revisit one of the darkest episodes in India’s past. The film, starring an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, and Simratt Kaur, is set to hit theaters on September 5, 2025.
A Controversial Trailer Launch and a Powerful Message
The trailer launch, originally planned as a large-scale event, reportedly faced some last-minute hurdles. According to reports, Agnihotri claimed the event was cancelled by a leading theatre chain just a day before the scheduled launch. However, despite the setback, the trailer was unveiled online, and its powerful content has already begun to resonate.
The trailer for “The Bengal Files” delves into the communal violence that erupted in Bengal during the 1940s, specifically focusing on the events of Direct Action Day and the subsequent Noakhali riots. The clip shows intense and brutal scenes of violence, highlighting the tragic loss of over 5,000 lives. Agnihotri, in a statement, called the film a “wake-up call” and said, “If Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.” This strong message sets the tone for a film that is not afraid to confront sensitive historical events.
The “Files Trilogy” Continues with an Untold Story
Following the success of The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, “The Bengal Files” is the final and most anticipated part of Vivek Agnihotri’s “Files Trilogy.” Like its predecessors, the film is based on real-life events and is a cinematic exploration of a historical narrative that the director believes has been ignored. The film’s initial title, “The Delhi Files,” was changed to “The Bengal Files” to emphasize its focus on the events of the 1946 Calcutta killings, a crucial event in the lead-up to the Partition of India.
The film’s cast is a powerful one. Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty reportedly plays a pivotal character, and his performance is expected to be a major highlight. Anupam Kher, who has worked with Agnihotri on previous films, and Pallavi Joshi also return in key roles, adding to the film’s star power and credibility. The film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri himself, and is presented by Zee Studios. This collaboration ensures that the film has a strong backing and a wide release.
Direct Action Day: A Historical Context
On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, called for a “Direct Action Day” to protest the Indian National Congress’s rejection of the Cabinet Mission Plan’s proposal. The call for a “direct action” to achieve a separate Muslim state resulted in widespread communal riots in Calcutta, with reports of horrific violence and mass killings. The events of Direct Action Day are a dark and painful chapter in India’s history, and the film aims to bring this story to a new generation of viewers.
The decision to launch the trailer in Kolkata, despite the reported opposition, further underscores the film’s bold and uncompromising nature. With its powerful storyline, stellar cast, and timely release, “The Bengal Files” is poised to be a major cinematic event that will spark conversations and debate across the country.
With its trailer now out, “The Bengal Files” is set to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, and its unflinching portrayal of history is sure to leave a lasting impact.
