The film ‘The Bengal Files’, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, was released in theaters on September 5, 2025. The film’s release was quite controversial. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was requested to allow the film to be screened in the state. The film faced stiff competition at the box office upon release. On one hand, there was Tiger Shroff’s action film ‘Baaghi 4’, while on the other, the Hollywood horror film ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ attracted audiences. In this scenario, ‘The Bengal Files’ had a slow start, but remained in the news due to its serious subject matter.
Box Office Journey: First Four Days’ Performance
The film’s box office performance during its first four days was as follows:
- Day 1 (Friday) – ₹1.75 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday) – ₹2.25 crore (28.57% increase)
- Day 3 (Sunday) – ₹2.75 crore (22.22% increase)
- Day 4 (Monday) – ₹1.10 crore (sharp decline)
Overall, the film collected ₹7.85 crore in four days. There was some growth during the initial weekend, but the film’s earnings declined on Monday. This decline indicates that the film faced challenges in terms of promotion and reaching a wider audience.
Audience Response: Fluctuations in Hindi Occupancy
On September 8, 2025, the Hindi occupancy for the film was only 18.24%. The morning shows had an occupancy of just 9.99%. This increased to 17.10% in the afternoon, 21.66% in the evening, and 24.19% at night. This clearly shows that audiences gradually came to see the film, but there was a lack of initial enthusiasm. This suggests that the film only attracted a specific segment of the audience.
What is the Story? A Film Unveiling the Bitter Truth of History
‘The Bengal Files’ is based on the communal riots that took place in Bengal during the 1940s. The film particularly focuses on the tragedy that unfolded after Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots. Its aim is to bring to light this often-forgotten period of history. This film is not merely a fictional narrative; it also portrays the social tensions, political pressures, and human suffering of that era. The director has presented it as a serious, realistic film.
Star Cast: A Unique Blend of Experience and Talent
The film features several veteran actors:
- Mithun Chakraborty – brings experience and depth to his performance.
- Anupam Kher – strengthens the emotional core of the film.
- Pallavi Joshi – plays a significant role in the story.
- Actors like Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Saswata Chatterjee, and Namashi Chakraborty also make their presence felt.
- Additionally, actors like Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Pranshu Chatterjee, Divyendu Bhattacharya, Saurav Das, and Mohan Kapoor have further enriched the film.
Their presence lends credibility to the film and connects the audience with the historical subject matter.
The Seriousness of the Theme: Is This Film Just Entertainment?
‘The Bengal Files’ is not just an historical film. It conveys a serious social message. The film addresses sensitive topics like communal violence and shows how politics and social tensions affected the lives of ordinary people. This film compels viewers to think about how the present can be managed without understanding the past. Making a film on such topics can be risky, but Vivek Agnihotri has made a bold attempt.
Controversy and Challenges with the Censor Board
Several controversies arose before the film’s release. There were protests in many places, and demands were made to ban its screening. Politically, the film was considered controversial. The debate surrounding its screening was particularly intense in West Bengal. The director appealed to the Chief Minister to allow the film to reach the audience. This demonstrates that the film not only captured the attention of the audience but also became part of a political debate. 8. Competition: Facing ‘Baaghi 4’ and ‘The Conjuring’
The film’s journey at the box office wasn’t easy. The high-octane action of ‘Baaghi 4’ and the horror thriller ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ attracted a large segment of the audience. In such a scenario, attracting an audience for a serious, history-based film was challenging. While the film found its niche with a limited audience, it faced challenges in promotion and distribution, competing against big-budget films.
Can this film appeal to young audiences?
The film’s subject matter might be a bit heavy for young audiences. However, it could resonate with those who have an interest in history and enjoy watching thought-provoking films on social issues. Additionally, the film’s star cast and compelling storyline could also attract audiences who seek more than just entertainment and want to engage with meaningful content.
The Future: Can ‘The Bengal Files’ be a sleeper hit?
While the film’s initial performance may not have been stellar, its long-term impact could be significant in historical and social discourse. This film is for audiences who appreciate thought-provoking content. If the film is screened in educational institutions, film festivals, and international platforms, its reach and impact could increase. The film’s aim is not just to make money, but also to raise awareness in society.
Conclusion
‘The Bengal Files’ is a film that offers more than just entertainment; it sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history.This film aims to shed light on a tragic event. During its release, it faced challenges such as controversy, competition, and a limited audience, but it garnered attention for its serious subject matter, strong acting, and thoughtful approach. While its box office performance was average, its contribution to social and historical discourse is significant. If audiences understand and appreciate it, this film could become an inspiring piece of historical documentation for future generations.
