Veteran actor Victor Banerjee has launched a petition campaign urging authorities to ensure the smooth release of The Bengal Files in West Bengal, amid growing uncertainty over whether cinemas in the state will screen the controversial film.
The movie, directed by filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, is scheduled to release nationwide on September 5, 2025. Promoted as an attempt to bring to light a “dark and painful chapter” of Bengal and India’s history, the film has already run into turbulence in Kolkata. Earlier this month, its trailer launch event in the city was forcibly shut down, drawing criticism from free speech advocates.
Speaking about his concerns, Banerjee said he feared deliberate attempts might be made to block the film’s release in his home state.
“We have strong reasons to believe that there could be intentional obstacles to the scheduled release in Bengal,” he said in a statement. “Such actions violate artistic freedom and deny citizens their constitutional right to truth and free thought. We appeal to the Honourable President of India to ensure that this film can be shown peacefully, without intimidation or interference, and that the rights of both artists and audiences are fully protected.”
Director Agnihotri, who previously made The Kashmir Files, echoed those concerns, claiming the disruption of the trailer launch was “illegal and forceful.”
Yet, despite Banerjee’s appeal, many cinemas in Kolkata remain cautious. A prominent single-screen owner told Al Jazeera that he was unwilling to take risks.
“We are not planning to screen this film. We don’t want to get dragged into trouble. We would rather run four shows of Bengali films,” the cinema manager said, requesting anonymity.
Another hall operator, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said political tensions were weighing heavily on exhibitors’ decisions.
“The pressure is increasing around this film. By the morning of September 5, we will know which cinemas are willing to take the chance. But we also need to be alert about whether any untoward incident takes place,” he said.
The hesitation underscores the volatile climate surrounding politically charged films in Bengal, where cinema owners fear backlash from both sides of the political spectrum.
For now, the petition led by Banerjee has amplified the debate, but whether The Bengal Files will reach audiences in Kolkata and across West Bengal on its release date remains uncertain.
