New Delhi: Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure that her upcoming film, Bengal files are not banned in the state.
Agnihotri, who is known to direct Kashmir files and vaccine war, said that his new film is based on the fact that he says “Hindu massacre”.
In a video message, the filmmaker emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental democratic principle and urged the CM to be seen as a citizen of India, “not as a Bengali.”
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“Immediately: An open appeal for the Honorable CM @MataOFFICIAL. Please listen to the end and share widely as your protest against the ban on a film on Hindu massacre.
In the clip, Agnihotri claimed that the theater owners in West Bengal are facing political pressure and are afraid of the film screening.
“The owners of the theater are telling me that even if it is not banned, they still have so much political pressure that they will have to pay a high price to show it. And that’s why they are afraid to show it. Your party workers are also asking to ban the film. That is why I request you to release the film peacefully in West Bengal,” he said.
The filmmaker reminded Banerjee of his constitutional duties, saying, “You have sworn in the Indian Constitution and to protect the rights of each citizen, the free speech of the people of India. CBFC has passed the film, which is a constitutional body. That is why it is your constitutional duty to release this film in peace.”
Also Read: The Bengal Files: Anupam Kher from the film set BTS Video Drops – Watch
‘Bengal files’ banned?
Before its release on September 5, 2025, a video message came amid a growing call for the ban on the film. Several promotional programs, including trailer premiere and press meats in Kolkata, have been allegedly canceled.
While no official statement has been made from the West Bengal government about the appeal, the video of Agnihotri has already created a wave of discussions on social media, many users have urged the support for the release of the film on the basis of freedom of expression.
Agnihotri’s previous films, especially Kashmir files, also triggered intensive debate across the country.
About Bengal Files
Bengal files delay the violent political past of West Bengal. The film includes Pivotal roles in Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, Simrat Kaur and Darshan Kumar and slapped for dramatic release worldwide on 5 September 2025.