Controversy Erupts as ‘The Bengal Files’ Show Abruptly Canceled in Mumbai

The film ‘The Bengal Files’ faced significant attention and controversy before its release on September 5th. Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the movie is based on the 1946 Calcutta killings. Despite not being released in West Bengal due to political issues, the film has been screened across other regions. A screening in a Mumbai theater was unexpectedly canceled, prompting a social media user to voice their frustration. The film, based on true events, generated excitement before its release. A social media post highlighted a user’s discontent over the cancellation of a show in a Mumbai theater. The user also shared a video capturing the crowd waiting at the ticket counter. Narayan Parvathy Parasuram, on X, shared a video from the ticket counter at Huma Mall in Kanjurmarg, Mumbai. He expressed his anger regarding the abrupt cancellation, pointing out the numerous people waiting to watch ‘The Bengal Files’ and the lines of people still present. The shows were canceled for those who had already secured their tickets. The user emphasized that this wasn’t Kolkata, it was the land of Shivaji Maharaj. Another user also expressed their disappointment, stating their 9 AM show was canceled. They noted a large crowd, with around 50 people for the morning screening. Prior to the film’s release, actress Pallavi Joshi had sent an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking protection of constitutional rights and intervention.