In a dramatic and emotionally charged press conference held in Mumbai ahead of the screening of The Bengal Files, National Award-winning actor and producer Pallavi Joshi, alongside director Vivek Agnihotri, voiced serious concerns regarding alleged threats being made to theatre owners in West Bengal. The filmmakers claim their film is being deliberately blocked from releasing in the state.
Speaking to the press, Joshi made a heartfelt appeal for justice and freedom of expression, revealing that theatre owners in Bengal have allegedly been receiving intimidating phone calls from police officials.She has already made a direct appeal to the highest authority in the country—the President of India—seeking intervention to ensure the film’s peaceful release in Bengal.
“We’ve come to know that theatre owners in Bengal are receiving phone calls from police officers, warning them that if they screen The Bengal Files, there will be consequences. They are being told that if any harm comes to their theatres, they should not approach the police,” said Pallavi Joshi.
“Now, if such calls are being made to theatre owners, that’s a very serious matter,” she continued. “No film should have to face this kind of suppression. Our film is being stopped from releasing in Bengal—and that’s deeply upsetting. This is a very sad day for all of us, and we felt it was important to bring this issue to the public.”
As the producer of the film, Joshi has written a formal appeal to the President of India, urging her to ensure that law and order prevail in West Bengal, and that the film can release peacefully. “This is my film, and as the producer, I’ve written to the President. As a woman, I have appealed to her personally. I’ve requested her to ensure that there is law and order in Bengal, and that our film can release there peacefully. Because as an artist, we must have the freedom to express ourselves. Art transcends everything.”
The controversy around The Bengal Files follows in the footsteps of the team’s earlier film, The Kashmir Files, which was both critically acclaimed and politically debated. Joshi and Agnihotri maintain that their latest film is a sincere effort to tell stories that are often overlooked or suppressed.
“It’s not just about this film,” Joshi said. “This is about the right of every artist. No one should have the power to silence art. Expression is at the core of our democracy.”
The filmmakers have urged citizens, artists, and government institutions to stand up for creative freedom and ensure that films are not subjected to political or administrative obstruction.
The Bengal Files is the latest film from director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and producer Pallavi Joshi, known for their bold and unflinching cinematic storytelling. The film explores the lesser-known historical and political events from West Bengal’s past, aiming to shed light on narratives often left out of mainstream discourse.
Starring Pallavi Joshi in a pivotal role, the film delves into sensitive themes and is expected to spark intense discussions and debate, much like The Kashmir Files did.
The Bengal Files released on 5th September 2025.