The teaser of ‘The Bengal Files: Wright to Life’ released today is once again a sign of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s courageous story style. ‘The Bengal Files’ is based on communal violence in Bengal in the 1940s (especially Direct Action Day and Nohakhali riots). This is an event that is often called missing in the mist of history, and Agnihotri offers it in the outline of Hindu massacre. The pivotle line given in the teaser- “If Kashmir Hurt You, Bengal Haunt You”- clearly indicates that it is not just a regional tragic story, but a political-emotional film that highlights the layers of a history.
The film will be very special for the audience, especially Vivek Agnigotri’s fans. A feeling of severe, dark and restless tone, the burning statue of Goddess Durga in teaser, pungent dialogue, and realization of reality in particle is sufficient for romance. The shabby look of Mithun Chakraborty, the announcement of the constitution with the burning tongue- creates a memorable emotional moment. The sensitivity related to history has been shown by the teaser very well which seems to be a preparation for a historical research – the audience will also be distressed and forced to think.
Vivek Agnihotri’s films are historical stories, such as ‘Kashmir Files’, ‘Tashkent Files’ which is the audacity of exposing the buried truth. Vivek Agnihotri is famous for bold tone in his films. Conflict with critics is natural due to a fearless approach on sensitive, disputed topics, but the prisoner has power – they continue their process. His story has a unique confluence of sentiments and politics.
Critics say: No complete review has been received on ‘The Bengal files’ teaser so far, but for ‘Kashmir files’ and ‘Tashakeand files’, critics said that they have the courage to tell the truth, have brought out unheard aspects and have emotional intensity in storytelling. At the same time, he was also accused of unilateral interpretation, select presentation of historical facts and increasing social division. Agnihotri himself responds to trolls on social media. The unexpected success of Kashmir files makes him special for his fans.
The film is equipped with strong actors. Mithun Chakraborty appears in his rug, bearded look. As a announcer of sensitive democracy, his voice reflects the pain of history. Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Punit Issar, Govind Namdev – a group of experienced artists, whose presence makes the film charismatic. Bachu Mann, Namashi Chakraborty (son of Mithun) – combination of youth and senior performances, add generational sensations to the story. In the teaser, the policy of the burning idol of Goddess Durga – the cultural heritage of Bangal is dramatic.
The teaser of ‘The Bengal Files: Wright to Life’ is a brief, spicy and emotional performance of Vivek Agnihotri style. It will be an awareness and inspiration film that opens the uncomfortable layers of history. Contraindic reactions, where there will be praise and controversies, such as his previous films got. Strong performance, where Indian icons like Mithun simply strengthen the story by appearing. Under the trillogy of Agnihotri, this third chapter will bring out the communal tragedies of Bengal through newness, condolences and debate. It is worth noting here, the film, which is released under the name of ‘The Delhi Files’, has now come under the name of ‘Bengal Files’. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that in this episode we can get another film which will reveal the deep secrets of Delhi. Vivek Agnihotri’s film, who took the lead to bring the truth to the public, will also eagerly wait for his fans. However, the teaser of ‘The Bengal Files’ has already raised the curiosity of the audience- Oscar, allegations, criticism- everything is going to be revealed on 5 September 2025.
– Deepa Benefits,
Independent journalist, Berlin, Germany
(The author has his own views in this article.)
