Today, November 10, 2025, marks the 52nd birthday of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and author known for his thought-provoking and often controversial films. Agnihotri's work spans various genres, from social dramas to thrillers, and frequently tackles complex socio-political issues. As he celebrates his birthday, let's take a look at some of his best films that have sparked dialogue and debate:

1. The Kashmir Files (2022): Arguably Agnihotri's most talked-about film, The Kashmir Files is a drama that portrays the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Indian-administered Kashmir in the 1990s. Featuring actors like Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty, the film sparked significant conversations and controversy for its depiction of the violence and struggles faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community.

2. The Tashkent Files (2019): This film revolves around the mysterious death of former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The Tashkent Files is a political thriller that investigates the circumstances surrounding Shastri's death in Tashkent, raising questions and sparking debate about the truth behind the event. The film features an ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Tripathi.

3. The Vaccine War (2023): The Vaccine War is based on India's journey to develop the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic. The film highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by Indian scientists in their race to create a vaccine. The movie stars Nana Patekar and Anupam Kher.

4. Buddha in a Traffic Jam (2016): This film is a socio-political drama that explores themes of social justice and Naxalism in India. Buddha in a Traffic Jam follows a management student who gets caught up in a conflict between corporate interests and Maoist ideologies.

5. Hate Story (2012): Hate Story is an erotic thriller about a woman seeking revenge after being betrayed and exploited. The film explores themes of power, betrayal, and vengeance. Hate Story marked the beginning of the Hate Story franchise.

6. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007): This sports drama revolves around a South Asian football team in the UK striving for success. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal is a film about overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through teamwork and determination.

7. Chocolate (2005): Chocolate marked Vivek Agnihotri's directorial debut. This mystery thriller features a star-studded cast, including Anil Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, and Irrfan Khan.

Agnihotri is currently working on The Bengal Files, the third installment in his 'Files Trilogy'. The film focuses on the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and is slated for release on September 5, 2025. Besides filmmaking, Agnihotri was appointed as a cultural representative at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 2020, representing Indian Cinema. He is also a board member of India's Central Board of Film Certification.