Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files to release in Bengal after BJP’s election victory

Vivek Agnihotri’s film The Bengal Files is scheduled to be released in Kolkata from Friday, months after the film faced difficulties in securing screenings in West Bengal following its release in September last year. The development comes shortly after the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with those associated with the film’s distribution confirming plans to expand screenings across the state.

Following the election results, Agnihotri posted on social media alleging that the film had earlier been prevented from screening in West Bengal. Referring to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he claimed that the film had effectively been blocked in the state. In his statement, Agnihotri alleged that the trailer launch was obstructed, multiple FIRs were filed against him, and he faced opposition during the film’s release period in Bengal.

The film’s distributors and exhibitors said preparations are now underway for screenings in Kolkata as well as other districts across West Bengal. Arijit Dutta of Priya Cinemas, which is set to screen the film from Friday, said the movie had previously not received theatre access in the state despite being certified for release. Distributor Satadeep Saha also stated that efforts were ongoing to prepare a wider list of theatres for screenings across Bengal.

The Bengal Files had run into controversy in West Bengal during its original release period last year. Agnihotri had earlier claimed that screenings and promotional events related to the film faced disruptions in the state. With the film now scheduled for theatrical release in Kolkata, exhibitors and distributors are proceeding with arrangements for public screenings in multiple locations across West Bengal.