Bengal Files row: Vivek Agnihotri slams Mamata govt over trailer launch ruckus

New Delhi: After The Bengal Files trailer was stopped in Kolkata and created a massive ruckus at the venue, director Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi held a press conference addressing the same. In the press meet on August 18, 2025, filmmakers Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi strongly criticised the West Bengal government and Kolkata police.

While Pallavi Joshi called the incident a “threat to democracy”, adding that the “voice of the people are being crushed and value of life is being indetermined”. Vivek Agnihotri also echoed the same sentiments and said, “We were told that if the trailer is released, there could be stone-pelting in the area. But tell me, everyone chooses specific dates for film releases—some even release films on their birthdays. When we chose Direct Action Day, how is that wrong?”

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Filmmaker of The Bengal Files, Vivek Agnihotri, further added that despite heavy police deployment outside the venue of the trailer launch, alleged party workers entered the place. He said, “The moment the trailer was played, police came inside and stopped it. For the first time in the history of Bharat, a trailer launch was stopped by a state government. I never thought such a thing could happen inside a 5-star hotel in India.”

He further added that the film is about the “pride of Bharat” and their intention is to tell stories often suppressed in mainstream narratives. They further alleged that the actions of the state government have only reaffirmed that they are “raising their voices in the right direction”.

In an exclusive conversation with TV9 English, “On being asked whether he will take any legal action against the FIR filed against him and the people behind the Kolkata trailer launch, he said, “I’m a filmmaker. I’m here to make movies. We will defend ourselves. We have already gone to court, the court has given us a stay, and we will fight this legally.”

On being asked if there is any risk of the release date being shifted, he said, “The release date is fixed for 5th September. But if they don’t allow us to release it in Bengal, then we will go to people’s homes and show it there. (Hum ghar ghar ja kar dikhenge).”

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On the other hand, Pallavi Joshi revealed that the film has been cleared by the Central Board of Certification (CBFC) and was presented before various committees. Additionally, screenings were held in the US. She also pointed out that several FIRs have been lodged against the film, including one filed by Trinamool Congress, adding But the police have not even explained the reasons behind these FIRs.”

Earlier, authorities cited “permission issues” to stop the trailer launch. Addressing the same, Pallavi Joshi said, “If there were concerns, the West Bengal government should have asked us to present the film to them. Instead, they created hurdles. Many women journalists were hurt during the incident, and even I felt uncomfortable. The police and government are failing to protect women.”