Vivek Agnihotri, the director of the upcoming film "The Bengal Files," has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to allow the screening of his film in the state. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on September 5, 2025.

Agnihotri has faced challenges regarding the film's potential screening in West Bengal, where it has reportedly been banned. In a recent podcast interview, he expressed his openness to showing the film to Banerjee despite these challenges. He stated that "the most controversial thing is the truth" and questioned what he could do if "Rakshak becomes Bhakshak?". Agnihotri clarified that he was calling the government "Bhakshak" and that Mamata Banerjee, as the Chief Minister and protector of Bengal, should be aware of the film.

Despite his criticisms, Agnihotri said he harbors no personal animosity towards Banerjee and would welcome the opportunity to engage with her directly. He offered to share his contact information and expressed his willingness to screen the film for the state leadership if she asked.

The controversy surrounding "The Bengal Files" began even before its release. The trailer launch in Kolkata was disrupted and eventually stopped. Agnihotri criticized the West Bengal government, calling the situation "anarchy" and "dictatorship". He alleged that electrical wires were deliberately cut to prevent the launch and that police were deployed to stop the event despite having the necessary permissions. Agnihotri claimed that the state was trying to silence him because the film addresses issues of demographic change.

Agnihotri also accused West Bengal authorities of pressuring a movie theater chain to cancel his trailer launch at the last minute. He shared a video on social media expressing his disappointment and questioning whether there were two constitutions in India, one for the rest of the country and another for West Bengal.

In response to multiple FIRs filed against him by members of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, Agnihotri asserted that "nobody can silence the truth". He mentioned that the Calcutta High Court had stayed the FIRs.

Agnihotri has threatened legal action if the West Bengal government attempts to stall the film's release. He stated that he would "go the legal route" and "pray that sanity prevails". "The Bengal Files" revolves around the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946, which were triggered by the All-India Muslim League's call for 'Direct Action Day' to demand a separate homeland. Agnihotri emphasized that the film was made with responsibility and sincerity and that "Bengalis will be proud of this film".

Abhishek Agarwal, the producer of "The Bengal Files," addressed concerns about some Bengalis not wanting to watch the film in theaters. He requested them to watch it, assuring them that the film portrays the truth based on thorough research. Agarwal believes that every Hindu and Bengali should be aware of the events depicted in the film and that the younger generation should learn about the past.

"The Bengal Files" is part of Vivek Agnihotri's Files trilogy, which includes "The Kashmir Files" and "The Tashkent Files". The film features a cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Saswata Chatterjee, Anupam Kher, and Pallavi Joshi.