Quick Summary

The Bengal Files is a controversial 2025 Hindi-language political drama directed by Vivek Agnihotri, dramatizing the events of Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots with claims of historical suppression. As the final chapter in Agnihotri’s Files Trilogy, it has divided audiences and critics with its strong narrative, graphic content, and political overtones.

What Is The Bengal Files About?

This film brings to life the turbulent era of India’s independence struggle, focusing on the tragic violence of Direct Action Day (the “Great Calcutta Killings”) and its aftermath that swept through Bengal. Weaving historical events with a fictional investigation, the story follows a CBI officer uncovering corruption and reflecting on the communal riots that reshaped India before partition.

Star Cast & Crew

Mithun Chakraborty as Madman Chatur

Pallavi Joshi as Maa Bharati/Bharti Banerjee

Darshan Kumar as Shiva Aloke Pandit (Special Investigating Officer)

Anupam Kher as Mahatma Gandhi

Saswata Chatterjee as Sardar Husseini

Simrat Kaur, Namashi Chakraborty, Rajesh Khera, and more

Director: Vivek Agnihotri

Music: Parvathy Baul, Rohit Sharma, Samarth Srinivasan.


Review: Is The Bengal Files Worth Watching?

Strengths

Historical Focus: Sheds light on real, though controversial, chapters of India’s pre-independence history.

High Production: Praised for its action choreography, set design, and music.

Strong Performances: Notable work by Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and supporting cast.

Weaknesses

Divisive Content: Many reviewers criticise it as overly propagandistic, historically distorted, and excessively violent.

Runtime: At 204 minutes, the movie feels overlong and drawn out for most viewers.

Mixed Acting: Some performances are described as overwrought, with one-dimensional character writing by several critics.

Critics’ Ratings 

Controversies & Public Reaction

Alleged ‘Suppression’ in Bengal: Accusations of unofficial bans and intimidation of theaters in West Bengal just before release, though authorities deny any bans, claiming prior commitments to other films.

Historical Accuracy: Many historians and critics label the film as “propaganda” for its one-sided, inflammatory depiction of riots.

Political Backlash: Political leaders and activists from diverse backgrounds have either criticized the film as divisive or defended it as suppressed truth.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack fuses Bengali folk and devotional tunes, led by Parvathy Baul and classic pieces by Dwijendralal Ray. The background score, composed by Rohit Sharma, supports the film’s dramatic tone but is overshadowed by the film’s violent imagery.

How to Watch Legally

Theatrical Release: Initially released in Indian cinemas from 5 September 2025.

Official Digital Streaming: For digital watching:

Wait for its official release on legitimate OTT platforms (Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ZEE5, etc.). Always check if the title is available for rental or subscription streaming.

Verdict: Should You Watch The Bengal Files?

The Bengal Files is a polarizing film most suitable for audiences interested in controversial narratives and historical-political dramas. Expect graphic scenes, long runtime, and a story that has triggered intense debate regarding its accuracy and intent. Many critics advise discretion, especially for viewers sensitive to violent content or seeking a strictly factual retelling of India’s partition.


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Is The Bengal Files worth watching?

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