The Bengal Files review: Vivek Agnihotri’s endless saga bleeds a gruesome historical account

New Delhi: Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files arrives in cinemas with the weight of expectation. For over a month, the film has been marketed as the boldest instalment in his so-called ‘Files trilogy’. Those who do not know, The Bengal Files promised to shed light on the Great Calcutta Killing of 1946 and its echoes in the present day.

What it delivers instead is an ambitious and unapologetically intense piece of filmmaking that uses its length to dive deep into history and its graphic detail to heighten emotional impact. Scroll down to read the full review of The Bengal Files!

Running at a staggering 3 hours and 25 minutes, The Bengal Files is less a narrative and more a relentless assault on your senses. Vivek places two tracks side by side: one set against the horrific communal riots of 1946, and another following a present-day CBI officer, Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumar). Shiva is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a Dalit journalist. The supposed link between the two is revealed with laboured storytelling and clumsy exposition that leaves viewers both frustrated and enlightened.

The film opens with historical figures such as Mountbatten, Nehru, Gandhi, and Jinnah engaged in profound debates over Partition. These reenactments feel wooden, never rising above the level of history textbook theatre. Soon after, the narrative drags audiences into lengthy riot sequences where bodies are mutilated, children tortured, and women assaulted. The massacre that shook the world once is shown in painstaking detail.

Simratt Kaur Randhawa, as the young Bharati, is the rare spark in the film and delivers a role wrapped in grit and pain despite the script working against her. Eklavya Sood, as her confidant Amar, shares strong chemistry with her, but their tragic arc is lost in the film’s clutter. Pallavi Joshi as the older Bharati and Mithun Chakraborty as a deranged ex-cop also manage to rise above the chaos.

Saswata Chatterjee lends shades of complexity to the role of MLA Sardar Husseini, though even his performance eventually succumbs to the screenplay’s black-and-white worldview.

Unfortunately, Darshan Kumar is the weakest link. His portrayal of Shiva Pandit is intended to be a righteous investigator, but it comes across as overwrought and melodramatic. His monologues sound forced, his tears hollow. At one point, Puneet Issar’s character remarks, "Thodi acting karlo.” Well, that line unintentionally mirrors the viewers’ exasperation (Because which CBI officer tears up while interrogating criminals?).

Vivek’s direction is plagued by overstatement. He wants the film to be a rallying cry, but his narration is riddled with inconsistencies. Bengali culture is reduced to white sarees with red borders, Baul singers by the Ganga and chants of ‘Joi Ma Kali.’ Historical accuracy is thrown aside in favour of sweeping generalisations: Hindus are eternal victims, Muslims perpetual villains, and Communists sneered at without nuance.

The Bengal Files is a test of patience rather than an illuminating experience. It wants to shock and sermonise, but forgets to tell a story that sustains interest due to its lengthy watch time. What could have been an urgent historical drama becomes an overlong misfire.

The Bengal Files ratings: 3 stars

The Bengal Files release date: September 5, 2025

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The Bengal Files director: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri

The Bengal Files cast: Darshan Kumar, Simratt Kaur Randhawa, Eklavya Sood, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Saswata Chatterjee