Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata - Here’s why the date matters
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man behind The Kashmir Files, has unveiled the trailer of his next hard-hitting drama The Bengal Files. Produced by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, the film is part of the acclaimed Files trilogy and promises to be the director’s most daring work yet. The trailer launch took place in Kolkata on August 16, 2025 — a date deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Direct Action Day, one of the darkest chapters in India’s pre-independence history.On August 16, 1946, a call by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland spiraled into mass communal violence in Calcutta, leading to large-scale killings and destruction. Remembered from that time is Gopal Mukherjee, who mobilized local youth to defend Hindu communities. Speaking on the significance of the date, Agnihotri said, “We have chosen this day for the trailer launch, considering what happened on 16th August 1946 in Calcutta. While the protest by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland escalated massively and led to the genocide of many Hindus, Gopal Mukherjee stood as a wall in defense of Hindus. So, as a tribute to them and to highlight the current scenario in Kolkata, we have decided this.”The trailer of The Bengal Files doesn’t whisper — it roars. Set against the backdrop of West Bengal’s violent political past, it brings forward testimonies, chilling visuals, and dialogues that cut deep. In one of the most jarring moments, a voice declares, “Yeh Pachim Bangal hai, yaha do constitution chalta hai, ek Hinduao ka, ek Musalmanon ka.” Another asserts, “Sirf Zameen ka tukda nahi, Bharat ka light house hai Bangal.”Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri said, “The Bengal Files is a wake-up call… a roar that we will not let Bengal become another Kashmir. We decided to launch the trailer in Kolkata to bring authenticity to the portrayal of untold story of Hindu Genocide and you will witness a glimpse of it in the trailer. The nation should prepare… because if Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.”Pallavi Joshi, who also stars in the film, added, “This is yet another face of reality we are bringing to society — something people truly need to see. The Bengal Files trailer is an attempt to take the audience closer to the haunting reality the film will portray. Every performance in this film comes from a place of deep truth, making the story even more powerful. It’s impactful cinema with the zeal to reveal a truth the nation has long forgotten. I hope the trailer receives the same love and warmth that our teaser did.”Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty echoed the sentiment, stating, "The Bengal Files is everything the audience never expected. For me, this is what cinema is for, making a difference and showing what people need to see. I tell you, I am representing all of you. This character has always brought me closer to you, and it will do the same for you as well."Producer Abhishek Agarwal reinforced the mission behind the project: “The Bengal Files is not just a film. It is our sincere and uncompromising effort to bring forth the buried truths and forgotten history of Bengal to the people of this great nation. What happened in Bengal deserves to be in the public domain, and we are committed to telling the truth without yielding to any pressure or agenda. The overwhelming love and support we’ve received during our USA premieres only reaffirms the film’s relevance and urgency. I believe every Indian, no matter where they live, will be deeply moved by this story. When we choose to remain silent in the face of atrocities, we risk committing a greater injustice to the victims. As a nation, we stood united for The Kashmir Files. Now is the time to stand together and show the same solidarity for The Bengal Files.” As the trailer closes, a chilling line echoes: “Kyu Azaadi ke 80 saal baad bhi hum ussi communal politics se ladh rahe hai? Kya hum aazad hai?”The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, it is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Agnihotri himself, with a worldwide release by Zee Studios. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha, the film arrives in theatres on September 5, 2025.Also Read: The Bengal Files trailer to be launched with War 2 and Coolie in theatres
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man behind The Kashmir Files, has unveiled the trailer of his next hard-hitting drama The Bengal Files. Produced by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, the film is part of the acclaimed Files trilogy and promises to be the director’s most daring work yet. The trailer launch took place in Kolkata on August 16, 2025 — a date deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Direct Action Day, one of the darkest chapters in India’s pre-independence history.
On August 16, 1946, a call by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland spiraled into mass communal violence in Calcutta, leading to large-scale killings and destruction. Remembered from that time is Gopal Mukherjee, who mobilized local youth to defend Hindu communities. Speaking on the significance of the date, Agnihotri said, “We have chosen this day for the trailer launch, considering what happened on 16th August 1946 in Calcutta. While the protest by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland escalated massively and led to the genocide of many Hindus, Gopal Mukherjee stood as a wall in defense of Hindus. So, as a tribute to them and to highlight the current scenario in Kolkata, we have decided this.”
The trailer of The Bengal Files doesn’t whisper — it roars. Set against the backdrop of West Bengal’s violent political past, it brings forward testimonies, chilling visuals, and dialogues that cut deep. In one of the most jarring moments, a voice declares, “Yeh Pachim Bangal hai, yaha do constitution chalta hai, ek Hinduao ka, ek Musalmanon ka.” Another asserts, “Sirf Zameen ka tukda nahi, Bharat ka light house hai Bangal.”
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri said, “The Bengal Files is a wake-up call… a roar that we will not let Bengal become another Kashmir. We decided to launch the trailer in Kolkata to bring authenticity to the portrayal of untold story of Hindu Genocide and you will witness a glimpse of it in the trailer. The nation should prepare… because if Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.”
Pallavi Joshi, who also stars in the film, added, “This is yet another face of reality we are bringing to society — something people truly need to see. The Bengal Files trailer is an attempt to take the audience closer to the haunting reality the film will portray. Every performance in this film comes from a place of deep truth, making the story even more powerful. It’s impactful cinema with the zeal to reveal a truth the nation has long forgotten. I hope the trailer receives the same love and warmth that our teaser did.”
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty echoed the sentiment, stating, "The Bengal Files is everything the audience never expected. For me, this is what cinema is for, making a difference and showing what people need to see. I tell you, I am representing all of you. This character has always brought me closer to you, and it will do the same for you as well."
Producer Abhishek Agarwal reinforced the mission behind the project: “The Bengal Files is not just a film. It is our sincere and uncompromising effort to bring forth the buried truths and forgotten history of Bengal to the people of this great nation. What happened in Bengal deserves to be in the public domain, and we are committed to telling the truth without yielding to any pressure or agenda. The overwhelming love and support we’ve received during our USA premieres only reaffirms the film’s relevance and urgency. I believe every Indian, no matter where they live, will be deeply moved by this story. When we choose to remain silent in the face of atrocities, we risk committing a greater injustice to the victims. As a nation, we stood united for The Kashmir Files. Now is the time to stand together and show the same solidarity for The Bengal Files.”
As the trailer closes, a chilling line echoes: “Kyu Azaadi ke 80 saal baad bhi hum ussi communal politics se ladh rahe hai? Kya hum aazad hai?”
The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, it is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Agnihotri himself, with a worldwide release by Zee Studios. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha, the film arrives in theatres on September 5, 2025.
Also Read: The Bengal Files trailer to be launched with War 2 and Coolie in theatres
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