Vivek Agnihotri, the filmmaker known for his previous works The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, is currently working on the third installment of his "Files" trilogy. Originally titled The Delhi Files, the film's name is very likely to be changed to The Bengal Files. This potential change reflects the story's deep dive into the history of Bengal.
Agnihotri himself has hinted at the possible name change on social media. He acknowledged the discussions surrounding the title, stating that an update would be revealed soon. This has further fueled speculation and anticipation among audiences.
The film is expected to explore significant historical events in Bengal, particularly those surrounding the violent communal episodes that shaped the region in the 1940s. This includes events such as Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots, which Agnihotri has described as a "Hindu genocide," highlighting a historically overlooked chapter.
A teaser for the film, previously released, offers a glimpse into the narrative's tone and thematic concerns. It features actor Mithun Chakraborty as an Indian soldier. Chakraborty's character, bearing a rugged appearance and a burnt tongue, solemnly recites the Preamble of the Indian Constitution while walking through a charred hallway. The visual is a powerful metaphor that represents silenced dissent and a deteriorating sense of identity.
The The Bengal Files has a release date set for August 15, 2025, coinciding with India's Independence Day. The film boasts a cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar. Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal are producing the film under the I Am Buddha Productions and Abhishek Agarwal Arts banners. Due to security concerns, the film's shooting location was moved from Kolkata to Mumbai.
Agnihotri's "Files" trilogy is known for its investigative storytelling and historical narratives. The Tashkent Files revolved around the mysterious death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and The Kashmir Files depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. The latter film, while commercially successful, also sparked controversy and debate surrounding its portrayal of events. Some critics labeled it as propaganda. Even with the success, Agnihotri has mentioned facing challenges and financial constraints, stating that the earnings from The Kashmir Files were reinvested in his subsequent project, The Vaccine War.
Agnihotri's filmography has faced scrutiny and controversy. He has been accused of sharing misleading content on social media and has been criticized for his views on certain communities. The Kashmir Files was also a subject of fact-checking, with claims circulating about the film debunked by news organizations. The director has also been in public disagreements with other figures in the film industry, such as Anurag Kashyap, regarding past collaborations.
Despite the controversies, Agnihotri's work continues to generate significant interest and discussion. The Bengal Files is anticipated to be another hard-hitting film that explores a contentious chapter in Indian history.
