The Bengal Files
Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files will have a special showing in Kolkata on September 13th, one week after its all-India theatrical release on September 5th. Swapan Dasgupta, a former Rajya Sabha MP, posted the news on Facebook.
After failing to get a theater distribution in West Bengal, the film will have a special, private showing at the National Library’s Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Bhasha Bhavan on September 13 at 4 p.m. Despite confirmed reservations, director Vivek Agnihotri claims that cinemas are now pulling out of the show because of possible political unrest. He links this to religious divides among Bengali distributors. According to Agnihotri, the movie’s release will “make history.”
Actor-producer Pallavi Joshi has responded to the situation by writing an open letter to Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, requesting protection and assistance so that the movie can be screened in West Bengal. The dispute draws attention to the difficulties in releasing politically sensitive movies in some areas.
West Bengal’s Release Block
Agnihotri has spoken out against the obstacles his movie has encountered in the state. “We opened the advanced booking and the theaters have been finalized,” In Bengal, the distributors practiced several religions. History will be made. However, I recently discovered that theaters are now declining to screen it due to concerns about potential political unrest.
The President’s Open Letter from Pallavi Joshi
Pallavi Joshi, the film’s actor-producer and star, wrote President Droupadi Murmu an impassioned open letter pleading for his support. She wrote, “Respected Madam President,” in her request. I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart, asking for protection rather than favors. On September 5th, the last book in the Files Trilogy, The Bengal Files, will be published. It recounts the atrocities of Noakhali, the anguish of Partition, and the long-suppressed truth of the Hindu genocide of Direct Action Day. Truth, however, is under siege in West Bengal. The Chief Minister made fun of the movie years before it was finished.
