After Trinamool Congress (TMC) lost Bengal elections, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, whose last directorial The Bengal Files (2025) was “banned” in the state last year, took to social media recently to lash out at the outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
“For those who don’t know, @MamataOfficial cancelled me in Bengal after the release of #TheKashmirFiles. The film was taken out of cinema halls, and she said I would NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER Bengal,” wrote Agnihotri on his X handle on Tuesday. “Last year, she BANNED #TheBengalFiles completely in West Bengal. Our trailer launch was blocked. We were attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive my award from the Governor,” he added.
“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 and fought in our own little way. And finally… this unprecedented victory,” wrote Vivek, adding, “Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk without fear, with your head held high.”
He also reposted the photos of him leading the RG Kar protests in the state from 2024 and wrote, “Looking at the response of the common people of Bengal during #RGKarprotest, this was the day I knew Bengal would be free in 2026. Congratulations to all the people who protested against injustice.”
Last year, Vivek had organised the trailer launch for The Bengal Files at a hotel in Kolkata, but the event was allegedly disrupted by the police. He claimed that he initially tried to organize the event at a multiplex, but they refused despite presenting written permissions. He further claimed that his team was manhandled by the police, and FIRs were filed against them by TMC members.
The Bengal Files revolves around the riots in West Bengal in 1946 on Direct Action Day. The film tried to be a violent spectacle trying to “expose” a Hindu genocide during the communal violence in the state but had not many takers in theatres. The film could only manage Rs 17.06 crore box office net in India even after running in theatres for 56 days.
