Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Bengal Files’ to re-release after BJP win

MP, May 8, 2026, Kolkata: Just three days after the BJP came to power in West Bengal, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files received the green signal for release in the state.

The film, which was released in theatres across India in September 2025 except in Bengal, is now set to hit cinema halls in the state on May 15, 2026.

Soon after the BJP’s victory in Bengal, Agnihotri posted on X, referring to how his earlier film The Kashmir Files had allegedly been removed from cinema halls in the state.

Referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged that she had banned The Bengal Files.

At the same time, those associated with the film’s release said efforts were underway to screen it not only in Kolkata but also across theatres throughout Bengal.

In his post on X, Agnihotri wrote: “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. But we never gave up. During these elections, we ensured the film was somehow shown to as many people as possible across Bengal. I am glad we didn’t give up and fought in our own little way.”

The Bengal Files sparked controversy over the portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, played by Bengali actor Saurav Das.

Mukherjee was known for playing a key role in resisting the 1946 riots and atrocities against Hindus.

His grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee, filed a police complaint against Agnihotri after the trailer’s release, alleging that the film distorted the leader’s identity.

Meanwhile, following the TMC’s defeat, Saurav Das, who had been one of Mamata Banerjee’s star campaigners during the 2026 Assembly elections, shared a lengthy post on social media describing the mental distress he faced after the film was not released in Bengal.

He also claimed that he feared being sidelined from Tollywood projects and even from Kolkata’s celebrity cricket tournament.

“I am very proud of the fact that I got the chance to play this character of a humongous individual,” he wrote.

The actor also revealed that veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher had personally called him to praise his performance.

“Scores should be settled and hence this post. Biswas koro, Karma is for real, bites you so hard. I want #Bengalfiles to be re-released here in Bengal. Ary should not be compromised,” wrote Das.

Distributor Satadeep Saha has confirmed that the film will be released in more than 20 theatres on May 15.