Kolkata: Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has issued an open appeal to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to ensure a peaceful release of his upcoming film The Bengal Files, which is slated to hit theatres on September 5, 2025.

In a video message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Agnihotri expressed concern that theatre owners in Bengal are facing “immense political pressure” against screening the film.

‘Theatre owners are scared’

“Theatre owners are telling me that even if it is not officially banned, they will have to pay a heavy price to show it because of the political pressure,” Agnihotri said. “Workers of your party are also asking for the film to be banned. That is why I request you to allow the film’s release peacefully.”

Agnihotri reminded the Chief Minister of her constitutional duty, stating, “You have taken an oath on the Indian Constitution to protect the rights of every citizen, including free speech. The CBFC has cleared this film, which means it has been vetted by a constitutional body. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that the film is released without disruption.”

He captioned his appeal with: “URGENT: An open appeal to Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial. Please listen till the end and share widely as your protest against banning of a film on Hindu Genocide. #TheBengalFiles In cinemas 05 September 2025.”

About ‘The Bengal Files’

Billed as a politically charged drama, The Bengal Files explores episodes of violence and political turbulence in West Bengal’s history. The film features veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Simratt Kaur, and Darshan Kumarr. It is part of Agnihotri’s “Files” franchise, which earlier included The Tashkent Files (2019) and the widely discussed The Kashmir Files (2022).

Past controversies and clarifications

This isn’t the first time Agnihotri has found himself at the center of controversy. Recently, he clarified his “gareebon ka khana” remark, saying he was being misinterpreted and urged people not to “drag him into unnecessary controversies.”

Agnihotri’s earlier film ‘The Kashmir Files,’ faced bans and protests in several states before receiving widespread political support in others. With The Bengal Files, the director is once again positioning his work as both a cinematic narrative and a test of free speech in India.

Industry insiders say the September 5 release could be a litmus test for how politically sensitive films are received in West Bengal, especially with theatre owners reportedly caught between commercial opportunity and political pushback.