Vivek Agnihotri Slams Kolkata Authorities After ‘Bengal Files’ Trailer Launch Cancelled

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has accused West Bengal authorities of blocking the trailer launch of his upcoming film The Bengal Files, after a leading cinema chain in Kolkata allegedly cancelled the event citing “political pressure.”

Agnihotri, who had already arrived in the city with his team, said he had planned a traditional trailer unveiling at a theatre on Friday. “We had all the permissions in writing. Our entire team came to Kolkata, but now we’ve been told the event has been cancelled,” he said in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Calling the cancellation “a sad commentary on our democracy,” Agnihotri questioned: “Are there two constitutions in India — one for the country and another for West Bengal?” He vowed that the trailer would still be released in Kolkata “without any delay” and urged his followers to share his video in support of free speech.

Later in the evening, Agnihotri visited Kalighat Temple, telling ANI that he sought Goddess Kali’s blessings for the film: “With her blessings, no one can stop this film.”

Produced by Agnihotri, Pallavi Joshi, and Abhishek Agarwal, The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi. Based on the events of Direct Action Day, the film is slated for release on September 5.