“Democracy is dead”: Vivek Agnihotri‘s The Bengal files Trailer launch Blocked in West Bengal
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The trailer launch for Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film, The Bengal Files, depicting the 1946 Calcutta communal riots, was halted Saturday at a Kolkata hotel, sparking accusations of censorship and raising concerns about artistic freedom in West Bengal. The controversial film, already generating debate, faces potential roadblocks to release in the state, according to sources.
why did this happen? The trailer launch was blocked due to the film’s sensitive subject matter – the 1946 Calcutta riots – and fears it would incite communal tensions, particularly anti-Muslim sentiment, similar to concerns raised about agnihotri’s previous film, The kashmir Files.
Political Opposition and Concerns Over Sensitive Content
The move to halt the trailer launch was not unexpected, given the film’s sensitive subject matter and the potential for backlash. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has a well-established reputation for its commitment to protecting the state’s minority community. A senior Trinamool leader, also a veteran actor, indicated that a full release of the film is unlikely. “It is unlikely Agnihotri’s film will be released in West bengal,” the leader stated on condition of anonymity. “He has a reputation for being a troublemaker.The Kashmir files stirred up disturbing anti-Muslim sentiments. That won’t be allowed to happen here.”
Who was involved? Director Vivek Agnihotri’s film, The Bengal Files, is at the center of the controversy. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, specifically “top authorities” within the police force, halted the trailer launch.Veteran actor Anupam Kher, starring in the film, has publicly voiced his support.
Agnihotri Alleges Political Interference
Director Vivek Agnihotri responded swiftly to the incident, taking to social media to denounce the actions of West Bengal authorities. He tweeted, “With anguish I inform you: Today West Bengal police, on orders of ‘top authorities’, illegally stopped the trailer of #TheBengalFiles. First theatres, now even a private hotel.”
Expanding on his concerns, agnihotri questioned the motives behind the obstruction. “Who fears the truth of Hindu genocide? And why? Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land,” he remarked.He emphasized the importance of launching the trailer in Bengal,given the film’s focus on the 1946 atrocities against Bengali Hindus and the resistance led by figures like Gopal mukherjee. “They don’t want the atrocities on Bengali Hindus in 1946 and the fightback of people like Gopal Mukherjee to be shown in cinema. If it is a part of history, do you want to change history? There can be only one reason behind such a move – to ignore the conspiracy to divide Bengal again.”
What is The Bengal Files about? The film depicts the 1946 Calcutta communal riots,focusing on the atrocities against Bengali Hindus and the resistance efforts during that period. It aims to shed light on a historically sensitive and often contested event.
Support from anupam Kher
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who plays Mahatma gandhi in The Bengal Files, voiced his support for the film and its message. Speaking exclusively to this writer, Kher stated, “The Bengal files tells only the truth. Why fear the truth?”
How did it end (so far)? The trailer launch was blocked by West Bengal police.while a full release of the film in the state remains uncertain, the incident has sparked a public debate about censorship and artistic freedom.Agnihotri has vowed to continue his efforts to release the film.
