During a press conference held at the film’s premiere on Thursday evening, the makers of The Bengal Files leveled serious accusations against the West Bengal government, alleging it is deliberately preventing the film’s release in the state. The movie, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal, is set to release worldwide on Friday, but with notable exceptions.
According to producer-actor Pallavi Joshi, theater owners in West Bengal are being “threatened by the police” and warned of “serious consequences” if they screen the film. “We have appealed to the President as well,” she said. “As a woman, I have written to her personally, seeking a smooth release for our film.”
Director Vivek Agnihotri accused the state government of using “hooliganism” to informally block the film’s premiere. He pointed out that three of Kolkata’s largest newspapers refused to publish the film’s listing ads. “Apart from West Bengal, the film is not releasing in four countries—UAE, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia—all Islamic nations,” Agnihotri said. “It is shameful that Bengal is now the fifth on that list.”
Agnihotri explained that the lack of an official order from the government is complicating their legal options. “The government has not given anything in writing,” he stated. “Everything is unofficial, which is a very smart tactic.” He added that the team is considering filing a writ petition but will wait to see what happens on Friday.
The director also claimed that he and his family have been receiving “threats day and night,” and that multiple FIRs have been filed against them in various cities. “We, the producers of this film, appeal to the Prime Minister, the President, and the Home Minister to intervene, because this hooliganism must stop,” he said. Co-producer Abhishek Agarwal echoed these sentiments, calling the pressure a dangerous precedent for artistic freedom in India.
The Bengal Files, which stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Anupam Kher, is scheduled for its release across India and globally on Friday, with the exception of the regions where its screening has been restricted.
Makers Of The Bengal Files Allege West Bengal Government Is Blocking Film’s Release
