Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s latest film, The Bengal Files, has been released in cinemas. This final film in his Files trilogy was highly anticipated. The film’s trailer and Vivek’s interviews attracted attention, particularly in West Bengal, where it sparked controversy. Pre-release promotions emphasized that the story is set in Bengal during the pre-independence period of 1946-47. The narrative focuses on the horrific communal riots, the Muslim League’s large-scale massacre of Hindus, and the direct involvement of figures like Sohrawardy and Ghulam Sarwar, acting on Jinnah’s orders. The film, however, extends beyond this historical context, intertwining the past with the present, showcasing the lingering impact of the violence.
The film also makes references to the ongoing elections in West Bengal. Director and writer Vivek Agnihotri skillfully connects the violence in Murshidabad to the events of the Partition of Pakistan. The film repeatedly draws parallels between the situation in West Bengal and Kashmir, even likening Murshidabad to a ‘Mini Pakistan.’ This comparison raises several questions about historical inaccuracies, the alleged failures of Gandhi, and the role of the National Congress and the Muslim League in contributing to the violence. The film delves into the brutality of the 1946-47 riots while also depicting the contemporary realities of Murshidabad.
The film presents multiple narratives. The film opens with a brief discussion between Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Jawaharlal Nehru concerning the partition of India. However, the core narrative swiftly moves to the present-day circumstances in Murshidabad, focusing on the abduction of a Dalit girl named Geeta Mandal. The local MLA, Sardar Hussaini, played by actor Saswata Chatterjee, is accused of the crime, which has garnered significant public and legal attention, leading to a CBI investigation.
CBI officer Puneet Issar assigns Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumar) to investigate the case. Shiva, a Kashmiri Pandit, has also experienced the trauma of violence in his own family. Upon arriving in Murshidabad, Shiva is struck by the prevailing climate of fear, with the MLA and his associates wielding significant influence and the local police intimidated. Shiva encounters an elderly woman named Bharti Banerjee (Pallavi Joshi), who appears to hold critical information about Geeta Mandal. Despite Shiva’s efforts, Bharti has lost her memory due to the events of the time.
Bharti Banerjee’s recollections of the 1946-47 massacres, the cruelty of Muslim League leader Ghulam Sarwar, and the loss of her loved ones, including her parents and her friend Amarjeet Arora (Eklavya Sood), continue to haunt her. The film portrays the events leading to the Partition, including the Hindu massacre during the Muslim League’s Direct Action Day in Kolkata. The film also highlights figures like Gopal Patha (Saurav Das), who resisted the attempt to bring Kolkata under Pakistan’s control, disagreeing with Gandhi’s methods and confronting the ‘goons’ of the Muslim League.
The film employs a narrative technique that shifts between history and the present. The central objective is to highlight the Hindu massacre. In this regard, the film mirrors the themes of The Kashmir Files, which depicted the massacre of Kashmiri Pandits, which resulted in their displacement. Kashmir’s plight is repeatedly referenced in the film. The character of Shiva Pandit, the CBI officer, serves to reintroduce the issue of Kashmiri Pandits. The film aims to emphasize the similarity between the situation in West Bengal and the state of Kashmir under Pakistani influence. The film also levels accusations against Sardar Hussaini, alleging that he facilitates infiltration and uses it as a tool to create a vote bank.
Gandhi is portrayed as a figure who, in the film’s narrative, is unable to decisively act during the partition, failing to condemn the violence in Kolkata and Noakhali. He allows Jinnah to have his way. When Gopal Patha takes action against the Muslim League, Gandhi asks him to surrender. In one scene, Gopal Patha confronts Gandhi directly. The film includes poignant scenes where the recitation of Tagore’s poems sets the tone for particular scenes. Mithun Chakraborty’s performance leaves a lasting impact in a supporting role. The film demonstrates the violent events of the past.
Can The Bengal Files match the popularity of The Kashmir Files? The answer remains to be seen. The Kashmir Files has sparked debate in the public discourse. The film aims to depict the challenges faced by Hindus. The film’s narrative may not find a similar connection with the pain of the Kashmiri Pandits. The film attempts to explore the relationship between the Partition of Pakistan and Muslims remaining in India.
Film- The Bengal Files
Director- Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
Actors- Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Saswata Chatterjee, Puneet Issar, etc.
Theater release
Rating-3*