The Bengal Files Story :-
A CBI officer investigating the disappearance of a journalist uncovers Bengal’s turbulent history, revisiting events like Direct Action Day and the Noakhali massacres.
The Bengal Files Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 5 September 2025 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Duration | 3h 25min |
| Cast | Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Puneet Issar, Babbu Mann, Govind Namdeo, Pallavi Joshi, Namashi Chakraborthy, Richard Keep, Satwant Kaur, Ankit Bisht, Olga Yumasheva, Divya Palat |
| Director | Vivek Agnihotri |
| Writer | Vivek Agnihotri |
| Cinematography | Udaysingh Mohite |
| Producer | Abhishek Agarwal, Archana Agarwal, Vivek Agnihotri, Pallavi Joshi |
| Production | Abhishek Agarwal Arts |
| Certificate | 18+ |
The Bengal Files Review :-
‘The Bengal Files’ is a challenging watch—one that makes you shift uncomfortably in your seat with its unflinching depiction of violence. As the third installment in Vivek Agnihotri’s “files” trilogy, the film focuses on the chaos unleashed after Direct Action Day, the 1946 call by Mohammad Ali Jinnah for a separate Muslim state. The topic is highly controversial, and Agnihotri doesn’t hold back. What unfolds is a heavy-handed historical drama that sheds light on a largely overlooked chapter of Indian history. The narrative is anchored by a present-day investigation into a journalist’s disappearance in Bengal, which serves as a gateway to revisiting the brutal events of the past. Despite its lengthy runtime of nearly three and a half hours, the film grips you, leaving you unsettled yet deeply engaged.
The story begins with CBI officer Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumaar) investigating the disappearance of journalist Gita Mandal. Suspicion falls on local MLA Sardar Hosseini (Saswata Chatterjee), but despite Shiva’s relentless efforts, concrete evidence remains out of reach. As the investigation hits a dead end, the narrative shifts with the arrival of Bharati Banerjee (Pallavi Joshi), an elderly woman whose fading memories open a window to the past. Through her recollections, the film dives into the turbulent pre-partition era, vividly reconstructing Direct Action Day and the Noakhali killings. These flashbacks immerse the audience in the brutal violence that scarred Bengal, exploring the people, politics, and forces that shaped one of the darkest chapters in India’s path to independence.
Agnihotri takes an unflinching stance in his storytelling. The film squarely holds Jinnah’s obstinance responsible for Partition, while portraying Mahatma Gandhi as a frail leader whose commitment to non-violence is shown as ineffective against rampant brutality. One striking scene depicts Gandhi advising a butcher named Patha that women should respond to assaults with fasting or even death rather than fighting back. Whether historically accurate or not, this moment underscores what the film sees as Gandhi’s shortcomings. Subtlety is not Agnihotri’s forte; The Bengal Files embraces shock value fully. Scenes of brutal violence follow one another relentlessly, climaxing in a harrowing sequence where a Sikh World War II soldier is tied to two motorcycles and pulled apart. Though harrowing to watch, these scenes serve Agnihotri’s goal of provoking anger, despair, and reflection. However, the film’s final act—where Pallavi Joshi’s character demands a gun and expresses a desire for revenge—feels overwrought and may test viewers’ patience.
The Bengal Files Trailor :-
Darshan Kumaar delivers a convincing performance as Shiva Pandit, portraying a man caught in moral turmoil while entangled in the country’s political and bureaucratic web. Pallavi Joshi brings depth to Bharati Banerjee, a fictional character serving as a narrative bridge, grounding the film’s flashbacks with her commanding presence. Mithun Chakraborty’s role is largely symbolic, while Anupam Kher makes a striking impact as Mahatma Gandhi with a sharp, provocative portrayal. Rajesh Khera embodies Jinnah with earnest conviction, and Mohan Kapur powerfully brings the fiery Suhrawardy to life. Simratt Kaur, as the young Bharati, leaves a brief but notable impression, yet it is debutant Eklavya Sood who stands out the most, delivering a confident and emotionally charged performance as Amar, the Sikh soldier.
Final Thought
Partition narratives have traditionally focused on the north-western frontier—Punjab, Sindh, and the brutal displacement that occurred there. Bengal’s trauma in the east, however, has rarely been given the same attention. Agnihotri dives into this largely untold story, forcing audiences to face these uncomfortable truths head-on. The film contains all the elements to ignite intense debate: its controversial historical stance, its assignment of blame to certain leaders, and its unflinching portrayal of violence. Yet, despite its excesses, it succeeds in forging an emotional connection, offering powerful glimpses of suffering that rise above political divides.
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