The Bengal Files: Saswata Chatterjee reacts to possibility of Vivek Agnihotri's film not releasing in West Bengal; 'It's a trend'

Vivek Agnihotri's The Bengal Files has been garnering a lot of attention due to its historical controversy. In a new interview, Saswata Chatterjee reacted to the controversy as he said that he is not

Saswata Chatterjee in The Bengal Files

Ever since The Bengal Files: Right To Life was announced, it has been getting a lot of attention. It is the third film in Vivek Agnihotri's 'Files Trilogy', which also includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The trailer for The Bengal Files was released on August 16, and it has already created quite a stir. The trailer launch event was stopped by the Kolkata Police, and it grabbed attention. Meanwhile, Saswata Chatterjee, who also plays a key role in the film, reacted to the controversy surrounding the historical accuracy of the film.

Saswata Chatterjee on The Bengal Files controversy

Speaking to The Wall, Saswata Chatterjee reacted to the controversy surrounding the historical accuracy of The Bengal Files. He said that he is just an actor and liked a character and played it.

"I am not a historian to think about what history says and this is distorting history. It’s not my job. If those whose job it is feel that Bengal is being belittled, then they can go to court with the information. There is no point is just making noise," he said.

Saswata Chatterjee on possibility of The Bengal Files not releasing in West Bengal

The actor, who plays the antagonist in the film, explained that he found his role interesting and signed on to it without knowing the full story. When asked about the possibility of the film not releasing in West Bengal, he said that nowadays, it’s a trend, the whole story won’t be told to anyone.

"You only get to know your track, your character. And when I was told about the role [in The Bengal Files], I found the character to be amazing. It’s a villain’s character and very few people get such characters to play," he said.

Also Read: The Bengal Files Trailer OUT: Vivek Agnihotri's film delves into Direct Action Day and the 1946 Calcutta Killings

Saswata Chatterjee on The Bengal Files title change

The Bengal Files was earlier titled The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter. Reacting to the title change, Saswata said that while the shooting was going on, the name of the film was Delhi Files, and after the shooting was completed, he came to know that it was changed to The Bengal Files. "That is not in my hands," he said, and added that “making a noise" over the new title would not help those opposing it.

The Bengal Files: Right To Life shows the real-life events of the Direct Action Day, the 1946 Calcutta Killings, and the Noakhali riots. Written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, The Bengal Files features actors Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi.

The Bengal Files will hit theaters on September 5, 2025.

FAQs

Q: What is the Bengal Files movie based on?

A: The Bengal Files portrays the communal violence that occurred in Bengal, specifically focusing on Direct Action Day (1946) and its aftermath. The film is based on the real-life events of the 1946 Calcutta killings, also known as the Great Calcutta Killings, and the subsequent violence that spread to other parts of the Bengal Presidency, including the Noakhali riots and Tipperah (Comilla).

Q: Who directs The Bengal Files?

A: The Bengal Files is directed by Vivek Agnihotri.

Q: Are The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files connected?

A: The Bengal Files: Right to Life, initially titled The Delhi Files: The Bengal Story, is the third story after Vivek Agnihotri's The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. It follows a different storyline.

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