West Bengal experienced a dramatic political turning point Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a resounding victory against the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Based in Bhabanipur, traditionally a Trinamool Congress (TMC) stronghold. Following the result, the filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri published a celebratory message, calling it a key moment for transformation. On May 5, “The Kashmir Files” director shared a detailed statement on Instagram, accusing Mamata of running a campaign against him in West Bengal. He argued that his films were delayed in reaching audiences in the state, especially amid the controversy surrounding some of his works.
Vivek Agnihotri accuses Mamata Banerjee of canceling him and his filmBengal files ‘In West Bengal
Vivek accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of pulling the film “The Kashmir Files”, about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, from theaters in West Bengal. He added that he was also prevented from entering the state. He wrote, “NEVER AGAIN. For those who don’t know, @MamataOfficial canceled me from Bengal after the release of #TheKashmirFiles. They pulled the film out of theatres, and said I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER Bengal.” Last year, he banned #TheBengalFiles completely in West Bengal. The launch of our trailer was blocked. They attacked and attacked us. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was suspended in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive the governor’s award”.He continued, “But we never gave up. In this election, we made sure that #TheBengalFiles was shown to as many people as possible (underground) all over Bengal. I’m glad we didn’t give up and fought in our own little way. And finally… this unprecedented victory. Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk without holding your head high as a Bengali.”
About ‘The Bengal Files’ by Vivek Agnihotri
Vivek Agnihotri’s political drama ‘The Bengal Files’ released in theaters on September 5, 2025. It features Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, Anupam Kher and Simrat Kaur. It depicts the 1946 Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots.
