The trailer launch of Vivek Agnihotri's upcoming film, "The Bengal Files," faced significant disruptions in Kolkata, with the event being halted twice after alleged cutting of hotel wires. Agnihotri has criticized the incidents, claiming them as a violation of his rights and expressing concerns about the changing demographics of Bengal.
The disruptions occurred at the ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata, shortly after the event was announced. According to reports, the special screening of the film at a theatre in Kolkata was also cancelled after the venue for the trailer launch faced issues. Agnihotri stated that the organizers informed him that they had to cancel the screening due to political pressure in the state. He told IANS, “Organizers told me that they can't show it because of political pressure. Then we talked ... The program was stopped while it was going on, the wire was cut. “If this is not dictatorship, then what is it called?”.
Agnihotri has also alleged that multiple FIRs have been filed against him by members of the West Bengal ruling party, which he believes is an attempt to hamper the release of "The Bengal Files". He questioned whether the opposition was against the film itself or against the truth. He also claimed that they were denied permission to shoot the film in West Bengal, forcing them to shoot in Mumbai. Despite these challenges, Agnihotri has asserted his determination to release the film's trailer in West Bengal, stating that nobody could silence him.
"The Bengal Files" is slated to release on September 5th. Agnihotri has expressed his desire for the film to reach every citizen of India, especially young people, despite limited resources.