The Bengal Files Movie Review: A Chilling Retelling of History
The Bengal Files sees Vivek Agnihotri revisit history with an unflinching lens, this time exposing the horrors of Direct Action Day in 1946 while connecting them to present-day realities. The film mixes fact with fiction to paint a disturbing picture of violence, politics, and identity, creating a narrative that is both eye-opening and unsettling.
Star Cast: Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Simratt Kaur Randhawa, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Eklavya Sood, Rajesh Khera
Director: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 204 minutes
Available On: Theatrical release
The Bengal Files Movie Review: The Storyline
The film revisits August 16, 1946, when the Muslim League led by Jinnah unleashed the violence of Direct Action Day, leaving Bengal scarred. The story unfolds in Noakhali, showing the brutality faced by Hindus during the riots.
Cut to 2025, where CBI officer Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumaar) investigates the disappearance of a tribal girl. His inquiry points to two suspects: Bharti Banerjee (Pallavi Joshi), now suffering from dementia but once a survivor of the riots, and Sardar Husseini (Saswata Chatterjee), a ruthless politician. As Bharti’s fragmented memories reveal the past and Shiva confronts corruption in the present, the film questions whether freedom and safety truly exist in independent India.
The Bengal Files Movie Review: Script Analysis
Like The Kashmir Files, the narrative condenses massive historical events into personal stories for cinematic focus. Agnihotri’s script blends testimony, memory, and political drama, but stretches to an overwhelming 204 minutes. The violence is relentless and graphic, but serves as a stark reminder of the magnitude of the atrocities.
The dual timelines highlight not only the forgotten horrors of 1946 but also how echoes of that past still resonate today. The film’s strongest achievement is raising unsettling questions about fear, identity, and the price of freedom.
The Bengal Files Movie Review: Star Performance
Performances elevate the heavy material. Pallavi Joshi is outstanding as the elderly Bharti, while Simratt Kaur Randhawa shines in her younger portrayal, balancing grace and fire. Mithun Chakraborty delivers one of his most powerful turns as a broken yet passionate cop. Namashi Chakraborty terrifies as the ruthless Ghulam, while Saswata Chatterjee embodies cold menace as Husseini.
Anupam Kher as Gandhi is effective, and Rajesh Khera impresses as Jinnah. Supporting performances from Divyendu Bhattacharya, Eklavya Sood, and others add authenticity, even if their screen time is limited.
The Bengal Files Movie Review: Direction, Music
Vivek Agnihotri once again delivers his signature raw, truth-driven style of storytelling. While the film could have benefited from tighter editing, the impact of his direction is undeniable. Rohit Sharma’s background score, laced with Bengali folk elements, complements the somber tone. The absence of songs ensures the narrative stays focused.
The Bengal Files Movie Review: The Last Word
The Bengal Files is harrowing, emotional, and deeply disturbing. Its runtime and graphic violence may be difficult for many to endure, yet the film succeeds in forcing its audience to confront truths long buried. It is a powerful but heavy watch—best suited for those willing to engage with history in its rawest form.
Rating: 4/5
