The Bengal Files faces 'political sabotage' in Kolkata! 'Wires cut, event cancelled,' claims Vivek Agnihotri

The much-awaited trailer of The Bengal Files, the film based on the 1946 Calcutta Riots, was slated to be launched at a five-star hotel in Kolkata on Saturday. However, filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri alleged that the Kolkata Police stopped the trailer launch of his film.

'If this is not dictatorship/fascism...'

The Bengal Files' director, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, alleged disruption during the trailer launch of his film in Kolkata.

ANI quoted Agnihotri as saying, “If this is not dictatorship/fascism, then what is?... Law and order in your state has failed, and this is the reason that everyone supports The Bengal Files."

Further, Agnihotri claimed, “I have just got to know what some people came here (event venue in a private hotel) and cut all the wires. I don’t know on whose orders this is happening? You know who those people are behind us. After all tests and trials, this program was being held. The hotel managers still can’t tell us why we are not allowed to continue with our program."

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | 'The Bengal Files' director Vivek Agnihotri alleges disruption during trailer launch of his film, he says, " If this is not dictatorship/fascism, then what is?...Law and order in your state has failed, and this is the reason that everyone supports… pic.twitter.com/rjQc0jh7iR

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025

However, according to PTI, police personnel present at the venue refused to comment on the issue.

Trailer Out Now

Sharing the trailer on social media, Agnihotri wrote, "In memory of the victims of Direct Action Day (16th August 1946), I present to you the official trailer of #TheBengalFiles — the boldest film ever on the untold story of the Hindu genocide. In cinemas 5th September 2025. Please bless us." (sic)

In memory of the victims of Direct Action Day (16th August 1946), I present to you the official trailer of #TheBengalFiles — the boldest film ever on the untold story of the Hindu genocide.

In cinemas 5th September 2025.

Please bless us.🙏🏻

Watch on YouTube:… pic.twitter.com/pIFvyTGI3d

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) August 16, 2025

Objections to The Bengal Files

Earlier on Friday, Agnihotri, in a video posted on his X account, had claimed that a leading movie theatre chain had cancelled his film’s trailer launch event. He had alleged that the theatre chain cited 'political pressure' as the reason behind the cancellation.

Before that, several members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised strong objections to the film’s content, leading to several FIRs being filed against the movie and its creator.

The Bengal Files delves into the communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s. The film is slated for release in theatres on September 5.