The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is a powerful historical drama exploring the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and their impact on India’s Partition.
Published: November 9, 2025 6:12 PM IST
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for making bold and thought-provoking cinema, is back with another powerful story — The Bengal Files. The film explores one of India’s darkest and most complex historical events — the communal violence that shook Bengal in the 1940s. Like his earlier projects The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, Agnihotri’s latest venture combines political drama with emotional storytelling, aiming to uncover forgotten truths from India’s past. After creating debates during its theatrical run, The Bengal Files is now ready to reach a wider audience through its much-awaited OTT premiere.
When and where to watch it
After its release in theatres on September 5, 2025, The Bengal Files is all set to make its way to your screens. The film will be available for streaming on ZEE5 from November 21, 2025. The platform will offer subtitles and multiple language options, making it accessible to audiences across India and abroad. During its theatrical release, the film faced challenges in parts of West Bengal, with reports of limited screenings due to political reasons. Despite that, it managed to hold its ground at the box office, attracting steady viewership across northern and central India. The strong response and social media buzz have only built up excitement for the digital release.
What The Bengal Files is about
Set against the backdrop of pre-independence Bengal, the movie delves into the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946, one of the bloodiest and least-discussed episodes in Indian history. The film uses an investigative narrative to link historical violence with modern political and social realities, making viewers reflect on how communal divides were formed and how they continue to affect society today.
More about The Bengal Files
The cast of The Bengal Files is quite impressive, featuring Mithun Chakraborty as Madman Chatur, Pallavi Joshi as Maa Bharati, and Darshan Kumar as Shiva Aloke Pandit. Anupam Kher takes on the role of Mahatma Gandhi, while Saswata Chatterjee plays Sardar Husseini, MLA of Murshidabad. The film also stars Simrat Kaur, Namashi Chakraborty, Puneet Issar, and Eklavya Sood, among others.
Story Highlights
- The Bengal Files is a historical political drama film written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, exploring the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and their impact on India’s Partition.
- The film features an ensemble cast, including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar, and is the third installment in Agnihotri’s “Files Trilogy”.
- The Bengal Files will premiere on ZEE5 on November 21, 2025, after a successful theatrical run.
- The film’s narrative links historical violence with modern political and social realities, sparking debates and discussions.
The Bengal Files promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally charged cinematic experience, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Indian history.
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