Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has alleged that the scheduled trailer launch for his upcoming film, The Bengal Files, was abruptly cancelled in Kolkata due to “political pressure.” The director, known for his previous work The Kashmir Files, took to social media to express his frustration and vow that the film’s message would not be silenced.
Last-Minute Cancellation Alleged
Agnihotri shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, revealing that a prominent movie theatre chain had called off the event just one day before its scheduled date. According to the filmmaker, all necessary permissions and correspondence for the launch were in place, and his entire team had already arrived in Kolkata for the event.
In the video, Agnihotri stated that the theatre chain cited “political pressure” as the reason for the cancellation, expressing concerns about potential “political turmoil.” He called the situation a “very sad commentary on our democracy,” questioning if there were different sets of laws for different parts of India.
The Show Must Go On
Despite the setback, Agnihotri confirmed that the trailer launch would proceed as planned, albeit at a different venue. The event is now slated to take place at a five-star hotel in the city on Saturday. The Bengal Files features a cast that includes veteran actors Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty.
Agnihotri’s films often court controversy, and this incident adds to the ongoing public discourse surrounding artistic freedom and political influence in India. The filmmaker’s resolute stance against what he perceives as an attempt to muzzle his creative expression has resonated with many of his followers, amplifying the debate on censorship and the right to free speech.