West Bengal’s political theatre took an surprising twist as the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP) clinched a decisive rep in opposition to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee within the Bhabanipur constituency—prolonged considered as a bastion of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC).
The emphatic victory no longer handiest reshapes the deliver’s electoral account however additionally positions Suvendu Adhikari as the likely claimant to the seat, marking a well-known political shift in Bengal.
Linked Story: The Bengal Files faces ‘political sabotage’ in Kolkata! ‘Wires lower, occasion cancelled,’ claims Vivek Agnihotri
Agnihotri’s Reaction: A “2nd of Trade”
Following the implications, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri publicly reacted, calling the conclude consequence a turning point. Posting on Instagram on Might well presumably 5, the director of The Kashmir Files accused the West Bengal authorities of concentrating on him and obstructing his work within the deliver.
“Mamata Banerjee Cancelled Me in Bengal”
Agnihotri alleged that his movies faced systemic resistance in West Bengal, namely after the discharge of The Kashmir Files, which depicts the Nineties exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
He wrote, “NEVER AGAIN. For folk that don’t know, @MamataOfficial cancelled me in Bengal after the discharge of #TheKashmirFiles. The film used to be taken out of cinema halls, and she acknowledged I’d NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER Bengal.”
Rising on the claim, he added: “Final year, she BANNED #TheBengalFiles totally in West Bengal. Our trailer launch used to be blocked. We possess been attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs possess been filed in opposition to me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even streak to assemble my award from the Governor.”
Controversies Around the ‘Files’ Trilogy
Agnihotri’s projects—including The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files—have consistently stirred debate. Critics argue that the films advance political narratives and risk distorting historical complexities, while supporters see them as attempts to highlight overlooked chapters of history.
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The Kashmir Files drew sharp reactions over its portrayal of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, whereas The Bengal Files—focused on the 1946 Direct Action Day and Noakhali riots—reportedly encountered an alleged unofficial ban in West Bengal.
Screenings Amid Restrictions
Despite the hurdles he described, Agnihotri claimed he found alternative ways to reach viewers during the election period. He stated, “But we never gave up. During these elections, we ensured that #TheBengalFiles was shown to as many people as possible (underground) across Bengal. I am glad we didn’t give (up) and fought in our own little way.”
A Literary Note to Close
Referencing Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated poem Where the Mind is Without Fear, the filmmaker congratulated the electorate, describing the result as empowering.
He wrote, “And finally…this unprecedented victory. Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk without fear, with your head held high.”
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About The Bengal Files
Released on September 5, 2025, The Bengal Files is directed by Vivek Agnihotri and stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, Anupam Kher, and Simrat Kaur. The political drama explores the events surrounding Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946.
