The Bengal Files (2025) Movie ft. Darshan, Anupam, and Saswata
Vivek Agnihotri returns with The Bengal Files, a historical drama that hit theatres on September 5, 2025. After creating waves with The Kashmir Files, the filmmaker turns his attention to the Direct Action Day riots of 1946 Bengal.
The movie brings together seasoned actors Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar. Set against the backdrop of pre-independence communal tensions, this film attempts to recreate one of history’s most violent episodes.
Story and Setting
Agnihotri chooses to focus on the Great Calcutta Killings, moving away from earlier speculation about covering different historical events. The story unfolds through the lens of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances during those turbulent days in Bengal.
What strikes you immediately is the director’s attempt to humanize this tragedy. However, at over three hours long, the film tests your patience. I noticed several scenes that could have been trimmed without losing the story’s essence.
Acting Department
Mithun Chakraborty leads the cast with dignity, though his performance feels restrained compared to his usual fiery screen presence. The veteran actor brings weight to serious moments but lacks the spark we’ve seen in his memorable roles.
Anupam Kher does what he does best – delivering dialogue-heavy scenes with conviction. Pallavi Joshi fits well into her character, maintaining consistency with her previous collaborations with Agnihotri. The supporting cast provides adequate support without standing out individually.
Behind the Camera
The film’s visual treatment stays true to the 1940s era, with careful attention to costumes and set design. Agnihotri’s direction shows commitment to his vision, though the execution feels uneven across different segments.
Technically, the movie meets standard expectations but doesn’t break new ground. The cinematography captures the chaos of riots effectively, yet lacks the cinematic grandeur you’d expect from a big-budget historical.
Sound and Music
The background music complements the serious tone without being intrusive. Unlike commercial films, The Bengal Files doesn’t rely on catchy songs or melodious tracks to engage viewers.
The sound design works well during crowd scenes and violent sequences. However, the overall audio experience doesn’t leave a lasting impression beyond supporting the narrative flow.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The film’s biggest strength lies in bringing forgotten history to mainstream cinema. Agnihotri deserves credit for tackling subjects that others might avoid due to their sensitive nature.
Where it stumbles is in emotional storytelling. Despite dealing with human tragedy, I found myself disconnected from the characters’ pain. The lengthy runtime becomes a burden, making you check your watch frequently during the second half.
Public and Critical Response
Social media reactions have been largely positive, with many calling it an eye-opener about historical events. The film has sparked conversations about communal harmony and India’s partition-era violence.
Critics remain divided – some praise the historical significance while others question the pacing and dramatic execution. The movie seems to work better for history enthusiasts than general entertainment seekers.
My Take
The Bengal Files represents sincere filmmaking with good intentions, but falls short of being great cinema. While Agnihotri’s research and dedication show, the film needed better emotional depth and tighter editing.
It’s worth watching if you’re interested in India’s complex past, but don’t expect to be thoroughly entertained. The movie serves more as a historical document than a compelling drama that stays with you.
My Rating: 3/5
