The Bengal Files Box Office Collection, Cast, and Reviews

🔥 Update: As of 12 Sept 2025, Param Sundari has earned ₹12.44Cr in India within the first week of release. Check back for the latest box office figures!

The Bengal Files (2025) is the third and final chapter of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s Files Trilogy, after The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). Released on 5 September 2025, the Hindi political drama revisits the events of Direct Action Day (1946), the Calcutta Killings, and the Noakhali riots, presenting them through a fictionalised lens.

With a runtime of 204 minutes and a budget of ₹50 crore, the film has already created headlines—not just for its historical subject, but also for its controversies and reception.

The Bengal Files Box Office Collection (8 Days)

The Bengal Files has now collected ₹12.44 Cr in 8 days at the Indian box office. The film’s weekday decline continues, but positive word-of-mouth helps it sustain a steady run. The upcoming weekend will be key to determining if it can maintain momentum.

The Bengal Files Cast

The film features a powerhouse ensemble of senior actors and rising stars:

• Mithun Chakraborty as Madman Chatur

• Pallavi Joshi as Maa Bharati / aged Bharti Banerjee

• Darshan Kumar as Shiva Aloke Pandit (CBI officer)

• Simrat Kaur as young Bharati Banerjee

• Anupam Kher as Mahatma Gandhi

• Saswata Chatterjee as Sardar Husseini, MLA

• Namashi Chakraborty as Gholam Sarwar Husseini

• Puneet Issar as Rajesh Singh, CBI Director

• Rajesh Khera as Muhammad Ali Jinnah

• Priyanshu Chatterjee as Justice Banerjee

• Sourav Das as Gopal Patha

• Supporting roles are played by Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Palomi Ghosh, Mohan Kapur, and others.

Plot Overview

The story is set against the violent backdrop of Direct Action Day (16 August 1946), which escalated into widespread communal riots across Bengal. The narrative intertwines:

• The communal violence and riots are shown as a suppressed part of Indian history.

• A CBI investigator’s probe into a missing person case, uncovering corruption and political conspiracies.

• The personal journey of Bharati Banerjee is portrayed in both young and aged versions.

Reviews and Reception

Critical Response

The film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics:

• The Hindu & NDTV criticised the film for being overly graphic, divisive, and historically distorted.

• Deccan Herald & Indian Express – Called it incoherent and accused it of propaganda.

• Cinema Express – Rated it 1/5, terming it an “excruciating” history lesson.

Positive Reviews

Some outlets, however, praised its scale and performance:

• India TV (3.5/5) – Highlighted strong cinematography and production design.

• Times of India (3.5/5) – Appreciated its emotional depth despite being disturbing.

• India Today (3/5) – Noted powerful performances but criticised the slow pacing.

• X.com Reviews

Controversies Surrounding The Bengal Files

The film has been surrounded by multiple controversies:

• Unofficial Ban in West Bengal: Not screened across Bengal due to political objections, sparking protests from groups demanding its release.

• Historical Accuracy Debate: Historians and critics have accused the film of distorting facts and aligning with Hindutva ideology.

• Gopal Patha Portrayal: Family members of freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee objected to his depiction.

• Censorship & Protests: Screening events were disrupted, and political parties accused Agnihotri of polarisation.

Must Read: Param Sundari Box Office Collection

Final Verdict

The Bengal Files is a long, heavy political drama that aims to revisit Bengal’s partition horrors. While the film succeeds in sparking conversation and features strong performances from Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Anupam Kher, it has been criticised for being overly graphic, propagandist, and stretched to 3 hours and 24 minutes.

⭐ Our Rating: 3.5/5 – Works for viewers interested in political cinema, but may not appeal to those seeking balanced storytelling.

Trailer

FAQs

Q1: Who directed The Bengal Files?
👉 Vivek Agnihotri.

Q2: What is the runtime of the movie?
👉 204 minutes (3 hours 24 minutes).

Q3: Why is the movie banned in West Bengal?
👉 The Mamata Banerjee–led state government has not allowed its screening, citing political reasons, leading to protests from groups demanding its release.

Q4: Is The Bengal Files based on true events?
👉 Yes, it is inspired by historical events like Direct Action Day and Noakhali riots, though critics claim it distorts facts.

Q5: How much has The Bengal Files earned at the box office so far?
👉 ₹4.25 Cr in two days (India net).

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