THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
Director Vivek Agnihotri has created a trilogy of films called “The Files” series, consisting of “The Tashkent Files” (2019), “The Kashmir Files” (2022), and the upcoming “The Bengal Files” (2025). While these movies have been commercially successful, they have also sparked significant controversy across India.
Political Nature of the Films
The main reason for controversy is that all three films deal with highly sensitive topics from India’s history.
1. The Tashkent Files, questions the official account of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death in 1966.
2.The Kashmir Files, depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir in the 1990s.
3.The Bengal Files, focuses on the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots.
These are not ordinary historical events but deeply emotional and politically charged subjects. When a filmmaker presents one particular version of these events based on historical records, it naturally creates disagreement and debate.
Accusations of Historical Distortion
Critics argue that Agnihotri’s films do not present balanced historical accounts. Instead, they claim the movies are designed to support specific political viewpoints rather than educate audiences objectively. For example, with “The Bengal Files,” legal action has been taken because the film allegedly portrays freedom fighter Gopal Patha as a “butcher,” which his family considers historically inaccurate and offensive.
This pattern of disputed historical representation runs through all three films, leading historians and political opponents to accuse the director of twisting facts to fit a particular narrative. Such accusations are serious because films can strongly influence public opinion about historical events. Those protesting have to remember that the film is not a documentary.
Religious and Communal Sensitivity
Another major source of controversy is how these films handle religious and communal issues. India is a diverse country and historical events involving communal violence are extremely sensitive topics. Some critics worry that the way these films present such events could increase tensions between different religious groups.
Political Timing and Support
The controversy has been increased by the political timing of these releases and the support they have received from certain political parties.
This political backing makes the films more controversial because they become associated with party politics rather than being seen as independent artistic works. Opposition parties and critics then view them as propaganda tools rather than genuine attempts to explore history.
Impact on Society and Democracy
Perhaps the most serious concern raised by critics is the potential impact of these films on Indian society and democratic values. When movies present highly “partisan versions of sensitive historical events” to mass audiences, they can shape public opinion in ways that may not be based on complete or accurate information.
Conclusion
Vivek Agnihotri’s film trilogy has caused controversy because it deals with sensitive political and historical subjects in ways that many people consider biased or inaccurate. While supporters argue that these films reveal hidden truths, some critics worry that they distort history for political gain and could increase social tensions.
The debate around these films reflects broader questions about the responsibility of filmmakers when dealing with historical subjects, the role of art in politics, and how societies should remember and discuss their difficult past.
References
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bengal_Files
2. https://thetimesofbengal.com/2025/08/18/what-is-the-bengal-files-controversy-vivek-agnihotri-breaks-silence-on-fir-says-gopal-mukherjee-is-2/
3. https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/the-bengal-files-controversy-saswata-chatterjee-distances-himself-from-negativity-says-im-not-a-historian-no-point-in-making-noise
4. https://www.india.com/entertainment/what-is-the-bengal-files-controversy-vivek-agnihotri-breaks-silence-on-fir-says-gopal-mukherjee-is-celebrated-for-playing-a-key-role-8018476/
