Vivek Agnihotri’s latest film, The Bengal Files, has sparked controversy even before its release. The movie focuses on the Calcutta Killings and Noakhali Riots, featuring stars like Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Anupam Kher.
Despite its notable cast, the film has been unofficially boycotted in Bengal. Many cinemas have chosen not to screen it, frustrating the makers further. The nationwide collections of the film are already low, making this setback even more significant.
Critics say the film carries a politically motivated storyline, and the propaganda angle has not gone unnoticed. This has raised concerns about how political narratives are affecting artistic expression in Indian cinema.
Vivek Agnihotri shared images of protests against the boycott, showing supporters standing up for the film. Fans question whether Bengal’s actions are genuinely a factor or if it is being used as an excuse for the poor box office performance.
The movie has earned around 1.5 crore nationwide so far, leaving many to wonder if a single state can influence its fate. The debate continues on whether the boycott or weak audience response is to blame.
