The Bengal Files Movie Review Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
Star Cast: Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Simratt Kaur Randhawa, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Darshan Kumaar, Eklavya Sood, Rajesh Khera
Director: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 204 Minutes
Introduction: Vivek Agnihotri Returns With Another Shocking Chapter in Indian History
After The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), director Vivek Agnihotri brings the final installment in his Files Trilogy—The Bengal Files. Known for presenting politically sensitive and historically charged cinema, Agnihotri once again blends documented truth with cinematic fiction to narrate the suppressed events of Bengal’s Direct Action Day (1946) and their haunting relevance in modern-day India.
The Bengal Files Storyline
The film begins with the Noakhali riots of 1946, where Bengal was torn apart by communal violence under Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s call for a separate Pakistan. Amidst the brutality, a young Bharti Banerjee (Simratt Kaur Randhawa) witnesses her parents being killed before being rescued by Amar Singh Rathod (Eklavya Sood).
Decades later, in 2025, a dedicated CBI officer Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumaar) investigates the disappearance of a tribal girl. His inquiry leads him to an aged Bharti (Pallavi Joshi), now battling dementia, and a corrupt Muslim hardliner politician, Sardar Husseini (Saswata Chatterjee). The narrative oscillates between the atrocities of 1946 and the political turmoil of present-day India, questioning whether true freedom exists even after 78 years of Independence.
Script Analysis
Agnihotri keeps the focus sharp by compressing vast historical events into personal stories. The contrast between past and present is stark, highlighting recurring cycles of violence, politics, and suppression.
- What Works:
- Bold portrayal of the Direct Action Day genocide.
- Strong dialogues that question national identity and freedom.
- Powerful character-driven storytelling.
- What Doesn’t Work:
- Excessive brutality and graphic violence may test viewer endurance.
- Lengthy runtime (204 minutes) could feel overwhelming.
The Bengal Files Performances
- Pallavi Joshi delivers a masterclass as the older Bharti, perfectly capturing the pain of suppressed memory.
- Simratt Kaur Randhawa (young Bharti) impresses with both grace and fire, marking her standout role after Gadar 2.
- Mithun Chakraborty as a cynical, broken cop delivers one of his finest late-career performances.
- Namashi Chakraborty (Mithun’s real son) is terrifying as Ghulam, embodying pure menace.
- Anupam Kher brings gravitas as Gandhi, though his portrayal may divide audiences.
- Saswata Chatterjee as Husseini radiates cold villainy, adding depth to the political narrative.
Supporting performances by Rajesh Khera (Jinnah), Eklavya Sood (Amar Singh), and Darshan Kumaar (Shiva Pandit) hold the narrative together, though Darshan struggles in some high-voltage emotional scenes.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Bengal Files?
The Bengal Files is not an easy watch—it is long, disturbing, and emotionally draining. Yet, it is precisely this discomfort that makes the film important. By juxtaposing the horrors of 1946 Bengal with today’s socio-political climate, Vivek Agnihotri forces audiences to reflect on whether India has truly moved past its communal scars.
If you can stomach the violence and gore, this film is worth watching for its unflinching portrayal of history and powerful performances.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – A brutal yet essential watch
