Director: Vivek Agnihotri Cast: Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, Simrat Kaur, Anupam Kher, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty Rating: ★★★ (3/5)
The Bengal Files, director Vivek Agnihotri’s latest cinematic offering, is an unflinching look at a dark chapter of Indian history—the horrific Direct Action Day in Kolkata in 1946. Clocking in at a formidable three hours and 20 minutes, the film is an ambitious undertaking. While some might be put off by its length in a time of tight, two-hour films, the movie attempts to justify its runtime by delving into a subject that has largely gone unexplored on screen. The result is a film that is less a seamless narrative and more a raw, powerful statement.
The plot unfolds through two parallel timelines centered on the perspectives of Shiv Pandit (Darshan Kumaar) and Bharati Banerjee (Pallavi Joshi). Both characters are haunted by ghosts of the past; Shiv carries the torment of the 1990s Kashmiri Pandit exodus, while Bharati is scarred by the brutal 1946 riots. Their worlds converge in the present day when a young girl disappears, leading to suspicions cast upon Bharati and MLA Sardar Husseini (Saswata Chatterjee).
Narrative Indulgence vs. Impact
The first half is heavily dedicated to an elaborate and graphic depiction of the 1946 riots. While the subject matter is inherently compelling, the prolonged sequences feel indulgent and could have benefited from a tighter edit. The pacing begins to drag before the intermission, and the extensive use of blood and gore—including a beheading shown in full, uncut detail—earns the film a well-deserved ‘A’ certificate and requires viewers to be prepared for the intensity.
While the second half does gather momentum, the film’s dialogue remains a key weakness. Characters are prone to delivering long, preachy monologues, and rarely converse like real people, which occasionally detracts from the storytelling. The film poses a critical, central question—why does everything today become about Hindu vs Muslim?—but ultimately provides no convincing answer, leaving the audience to reflect on the nature of history and conflict.
Performances That Carry the Film
Despite its narrative shortcomings, what truly makes The Bengal Files a watchable experience are its stellar performances. Pallavi Joshi delivers a masterclass, hitting every emotional beat with precision. Darshan Kumaar is equally impressive, carrying the film on his shoulders as the tormented Shiv, torn between his duty and the search for truth. Simrat Kaur shines in a meaty role as the young Bharati, while Saswata Chatterjee is menacing as the required antagonist.
Ultimately, The Bengal Files is a reflection of its director’s intent: it is a mirror to society and a historical document more than it is a conventional cinematic escape. Its power lies in its unflinching portrayal and the sheer weight of its subject matter, backed by some of the year’s most powerful performances. However, its immense length and narrative indulgences make it an exhausting watch. Go in for the brilliant performances of Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar, as they single-handedly keep the film from collapsing under the burden of its own ambition.