Vivek Agnihotri Blames Kolkata Police for Stopping 'The Bengal Files' Trailer Launch

Bollywood director Vivek Agnihotri alleged that Kolkata Police stopped the trailer launch of his movie The Bengal Files on Saturday, media reported. The trailer, which focuses on the 1946 Calcutta Riots, was supposed to be released at a five-star hotel in Kolkata during the afternoon. Police officials present at the venue, according to the media, did not give any comments about the incident.

Agnihotri Criticizes the Move

Vivek Agnihotri told the media, "If this is not dictatorship or fascism, then what is? Law and order in your state has failed, and this is the reason everyone is supporting The Bengal Files." He added that some people had come to the hotel and cut all the wires for the event. "I don’t know on whose orders this happened. After all tests and preparations, the event was ready. Even the hotel managers can’t tell us why the program was stopped," he said.

Earlier Complaints About Cancellation

On Friday, Agnihotri shared a video on his X account, claiming that a major movie theatre chain had canceled the trailer launch. He alleged that the cancellation was due to "political pressure," according to him. The Bengal Files explores communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s and is scheduled to release in theatres on September 5.

Pallavi Joshi Speaks Out

Actor Pallavi Joshi also criticized the authorities for stopping the launch. She said, "I did not like the way my film was stopped. Is there freedom of expression in this state? Filmmakers and actors cannot show what we have made. What threat are they feeling? This never happened even in Kashmir. Can we say the situation there is better than in Bengal?" she asked, media reported.

Importance of the Film

Pallavi Joshi emphasized the significance of The Bengal Files. "Look at what is happening in Bengal today. That’s why films like this are important. I want everyone in India to see this movie to understand the truth about Bengal. It is the state’s responsibility to respect artists," she added.