Vivek Agnihotri's The Bengal Files faces legal heat as TMC files multiple FIRs

An FIR alleges this deliberately insults Bengal’s traditions and threatens communal harmony, warning it could incite unrest in the region.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri is busy in the U.S. with the global premieres of his upcoming film, The Bengal Files. Meanwhile, back in India, West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) members have filed multiple police complaints against the film and its makers including Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Pallavi Joshi, and Abhishek Agarwal sparking controversy before its release.

The recently released teaser of The Bengal Files has sparked widespread attention. Given Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s reputation for in-depth research and exposing hidden truths, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC may be concerned about potential revelations.

TMC members accuse the film of promoting communal hatred, pointing to the teaser’s depiction of a burning Durga idol. An FIR alleges this deliberately insults Bengal’s traditions and threatens communal harmony, warning it could incite unrest in the region.

Amid controversy over a fiery depiction of Maa Kaali, The Bengal Files makers previously stated the film is well-researched. They have not yet responded to FIRs filed by TMC members. Meanwhile, director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi are on a U.S. tour from July 19 in to August 10 in Houston.

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The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, features Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha Productions, it’s the third installment in Vivek’s Files trilogy, following The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files.

The film will be releasing in the theaters on September 5 2025.