Bengal files review: ruthless, hard-hitting but stretch thin
Review of Bengal files: Director Vivek Agnihotri’s political-thriller ‘The Bengal files’ is based on the 1946 Calcutta murders and Nokhali riots. Is the film capable of doing justice to communal tension and democracy involving democracy? Here is our review.
cast Crew
Gemini Chakravarti
Anupam Kher
Director Vivek Agnihotri’s political-thriller ‘The Bengal files’ tells the story of India’s independence and partition from a unique perspective. The film shows how the past, present and future are connected, yet humans refuse to learn from history.
CBI officer Shiv Pandit (Darshan Kumar) investigated the case of a missing girl in modern West Bengal, in view of the communal tensions inviting the 1947 partition mark. As Shiva veteran comes in front of suspected mother Bharati (Pallavi Joshi), the story of the dark chapter of India’s independence shakes her conscience. The non-lectured story of Agnihotri connects the background of the 1946 Direct Action Day and Nokhali riots to the current politics. The three-hour, 20-minute film strives on the metaphor depiction of politics, religion, justice, equality, national unity and hatred-mongri.
Very few filmmakers, especially in India, are unheard of the magnitude of partition, neglected stories, colonial division and governance by -products. There is a risky initiative to show communal violence among a divisive socio-political landscape. Do ‘The Bengal files’ show a fair view of the history, beliefs, culture and traditions of West Bengal? Is the film fair and sensitive to deal with the controversial incidents of direct action day and Nokhali riots? How does the film balance the most frightening chapter in the history of India, which has divided academics, politics, media and arts?
Cruel depiction of political crimes
Agnihotri warned in the trailer, “If Kashmir broke you, Bengal will bother you.” The director meets his promise and becomes ruthless in showing heart-related violence that intimidates the spirit of the cultural capital of India. Views play applause to be honest with the story.
For the first time, an Indian film style justifies, bloodshed, rivalry, bombing and gun bullet. However, it avoids increasing hatred despite communally charged characters. Even though there is a conflicting and self-respecting approach to communal harmony, the cross of the story is the idea of an integrated India, devoid of divisive politics. Disha hits the bull’s eye by taking out the best performance from all the actors on the board.
Execution staggering despite a talented artists
Actor Darshan Kumar has become better with his craft as he has recognized in ‘Mary Kom’. Although ‘Azaram’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’ may have similarities with their previous characters, he brings novelty through his complex feelings. He is supported by veteran actors by veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi, who surrender to the filmmaker’s vision. However, the pacing of the film and the non-educational sequence of moving forward and back somehow stagger the execution. The stretched run-time of the political thriller can cause an attractive conspiracy.
Actor Simrat Kaur brings the pain, anger, fear and despair of a patriot with Vishwas. Actor Eklavya Sood as Gopal Patath and Sourav Das offers an intensive depiction despite a limited screen time. The film wanders in any way due to the amalgamation of many stories.
Saswata Chatterjee shines as anti
Actor Anupam Kher as Mahatma Gandhi brings a different dialect, methods and overall projections of the father of the nation. Actor Rajesh Khera in the form of Muhammad Ali Jinnah fulfills the cleverness of a divisive politician with most cleverness. But the chief opponent, MLA Sardar Hussaini, who was played by Saswata Chatterjee, is menacing and con making with his subtle, composed and cold depiction. Actor Mohan Kapoor plays a scary vessel without an overboard as a slave Sarwar Hussaini as Suharrandi and Namashi Chakraborty.
The trilogy of Agnihotri has definitely moved forward in the matter of bringing the best talents of Hindi cinema on the board. Actor Priyanshu Chatterjee and Dibyandu Bhattacharya attracted the attention of the audience with their innocent acting. Puneet Isar, Palomi Ghosh and Anubah Arora also do justice to their roles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfszfaeno88
A real theme loses its way
The main theme of the film becomes mixed in many complicated stories. A real message of knowledgeing the audience about ideological inclination and uncertainty of political crimes is overcome with many narratives. What can be how politics manipulates public emotions can be a fair depiction of it, which turns into an attempt to add the present with the previous history.
The dress of the film makes many comments on the right to life, right to justice, right to equality, etc. Vision and execution, unfortunately, do not complement each other. Nevertheless, the violence, politics, sorrow and helplessness of the ‘people of India’ will melt your heart. If the film is seen with a political lens, the perceptions may be subjective. However, from a human point of view, it is a story about the magnitude of legitimate democracy.
The ‘The Bengal files’ may have differences in terms of factual accuracy and authenticity, yet it is a must for those interested in understanding an alternative story. This is certainly not for the unconscious heart due to depiction of violence against women and other innocent civilians. Whether you agree with Agnihotri or disagree, his world approach has always been open to debate, discussion and ideas. But the film’s effort to tell the political story emotionally harassed is commendable to tell its unconventional story.
‘The Bengal Files’ was released in theaters on 5 September 2025.
