Ruckus at 'The Bengal Files' trailer launch in Kolkata: Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Agnihotri cry political suppression | WATCH

Kolkata: Tensions flared at the trailer launch of The Bengal Files on Friday as the screening was unexpectedly halted midway at ITC Royal Bengal, prompting strong reactions from actor Pallavi Joshi and filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. Both artists criticised the incident as an attack on freedom of expression, suggesting political interference and censorship.

The film, which deals with the communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including the 1946 Direct Action Day and Noakhali riots, has already stirred debate for its bold portrayal of historical events.

"Such a thing didn’t happen even in Kashmir": Pallavi Joshi reacts

Clearly disturbed by the sudden disruption, actor and producer Pallavi Joshi lashed out at the situation in Bengal, saying,

“I absolutely did not like the way my film (trailer) was stopped. Is there freedom of expression in this state? As filmmakers and actors, we are not able to screen what we have made. What is the threat they are feeling? Such a thing did not happen even in Kashmir.”

Joshi further questioned whether the current political climate in Bengal had become more restrictive than in Kashmir.

“Can we derive that the situation in Kashmir is better than in Bengal? See what is happening in Bengal today. And this is why films like 'The Bengal Files' are important. I want every person in India to watch this film to know the truth about Bengal. It is the state's responsibility to give respect to artists,” she added.

Agnihotri alleges sabotage: “Wires were cut, venue backed out under pressure”

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who flew in from the US for the launch, claimed that multiple multiplex chains backed out from hosting the trailer premiere, citing “political pressure.”

“One of the largest multiplex chains said that they can't do it because there is a lot of political pressure and if they do it, there will be a political turmoil. So we spoke to another multiplex, they also said that 'sorry sir', there is a lot of political pressure, we can't do it'. If we had known this from the start, why would we have taken on so many teams and actors and spent so much money to come here,” Agnihotri told ANI.

During the event, chaos erupted when the trailer stopped playing. Agnihotri took the stage to calm the audience and alleged that the hotel received “instructions” not to proceed.

“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,” he said.

Agnihotri accused the state of “fascism” and “double standards,” remarking,

“It seems there are two constitutions in India..one Indian constitution and one special constitution that runs here (Bengal).”

"I am not the one creating communal disharmony"

Addressing the wider controversy surrounding his films, including The Kashmir Files and now The Bengal Files, Agnihotri told PTI that the backlash his films receive is not of his making.

“I am not the one who created violence during panchayat elections, I am not the one who brought Bengal from being the cultural capital of the world to this level where parents are sending their children's outside to study because they are scared,” he said.

“I am just a filmmaker who has made an honest, sincere, and perhaps the boldest movie on the Hindu genocide. Today, Bengal suffers from communal violence and demographic change.”

What is 'The Bengal Files' about?

Written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, The Bengal Files features a powerful ensemble including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi. The film seeks to chronicle one of the "most brutal chapter" of Indian history, focusing on the communal violence that plagued Bengal in the 1940s. A poster released earlier in the day promises “the boldest film” yet from Agnihotri.

Despite the rocky launch, the trailer was eventually shown in a hotel banquet hall rather than a traditional theatre. The film is slated for a theatrical release on September 5, 2025.

(With PTI and ANI inputs)