Vivek Agnihotri, the director of "The Bengal Files," is facing backlash after calling Maharashtrian food "gareebo ka khaana" (poor people's food). The comment, made during an interview with Curly Tales alongside his wife, actress Pallavi Joshi, sparked outrage among netizens and several Marathi celebrities. Agnihotri has since clarified that the remark was made in jest.

During the interview, Joshi revealed that Agnihotri didn't initially appreciate Maharashtrian cuisine, often referring to it as "gareebo ka khaana" because of its simplicity, which typically involves lightly sautéed vegetables. Agnihotri, who hails from Delhi, explained that he was accustomed to richer, more heavily spiced dishes with generous amounts of ghee and butter. He recounted his initial experience with varan bhaat (plain lentil rice), a staple Maharashtrian dish, expressing his surprise at the lack of salt and spices. He also mentioned his expectation of kadhi (yogurt-based soup) being rich and spicy, only to find the Marathi version to be more of a "healthy food". He was also taken aback by the smaller portion sizes, which he later understood were intended to prevent waste.

Agnihotri explained that Maharashtrian food was a "culture shock" for him. He stated that he said "kisaano jaisa gareeb khana khate hain (You eat like poor farmers)", but over time, he adapted to the simpler cuisine, even stating that he now prefers it. He now considers the Maharashtrian thali (platter) to be "the most economical and healthy thali".

In response to the backlash, Agnihotri claimed that his comment was made in jest and has been taken out of context. Speaking to The Raunac Podcast, he said, "Maine hasi mazak mein bola (I said it in jest)," and accused people of editing his comments to create controversy. He expressed frustration that people picked up on the first part of his statement, criticizing him for calling Maharashtrian food "poor people food".

Despite the controversy, Agnihotri has embraced Maharashtrian food and its health benefits. He has also given up non-vegetarian food and alcohol. He noted that he now eats simple, plant-based foods, similar to his wife's Maharashtrian style of cooking.

The controversy has drawn mixed reactions. Some netizens have expressed anger and disappointment, with some even calling for a ban on his upcoming film, "The Bengal Files". Others have defended Agnihotri, suggesting that his comments were misconstrued. Several Marathi celebrities have also criticized Agnihotri's remarks, with actor Pushkar Jog expressing his disappointment that "people come to Maharashtra, work well, earn money... but they don't respect Marathi".

"The Bengal Files," is scheduled to release on September 5, 2025. The film is based on the "Bengal genocide" of August 16, 1946, a historical event.