The Bengal Files Trailer Launch in Kolkata Cancelled Due to ‘Political Pressure’

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Friday alleged that India’s largest cinema chain cancelled the Kolkata trailer launch of his upcoming film The Bengal Files, citing “political pressure.”

The cancellation comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the film, which has faced multiple FIRs filed by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Petitioners alleged the film portrays “controversial content” .  The Calcutta High Court later stayed all FIRs, granting interim relief to the makers.

Determined to unveil the trailer in Kolkata—where the cases were filed—Agnihotri had scheduled the launch for Friday. However, in a video message posted shortly after landing in the city, he revealed that the cinema chain had withdrawn permission. “Just landed in Kolkata and learnt that the venue for the trailer launch of #TheBengalFiles is cancelled. Who wants to suppress our voice? And why? But I can’t be silenced. Because truth can’t be silenced. ट्रेलर तो कोलकाता में ही लांच होगा,” he said.

Agnihotri claimed the organisers handed him a formal cancellation letter, stating that their theatres could not host the event due to political sensitivities. He alleged that mounting pressure from the state’s ruling establishment was behind the move.

In an earlier video, Agnihotri had accused the government of attempting to “suppress voices and block the truth,” urging citizens—especially young viewers—to watch The Bengal Files and “uncover hidden realities.” He noted that the project is backed by years of research and expressed faith in the judiciary to protect artistic freedom.

The filmmaker also pointed out that despite holding multiple premieres in the United States and promoting the film “silently and respectfully,” political roadblocks continue at home.

The Bengal Files, written and directed by Agnihotri, is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Agnihotri himself. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal and I Am Buddha Productions, the film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. It is the third installment in Agnihotri’s Files trilogy, following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022).

The film, based on the events of Direct Action Day, is scheduled for release on September 5, 2025.