As the release date for The Bengal Files approached, producer and actor Pallavi Joshi found herself at the center of a growing controversy. The film, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and positioned as the final installment in the Files Trilogy—following The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files—was scheduled to hit theatres on September 5, 2025. But in West Bengal, the film’s release faced unexpected resistance. Multiplex owners reportedly refused to screen it, citing political pressure and threats from ruling party workers. In response, Joshi penned a heartfelt open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking intervention and protection of her constitutional rights.

A Plea for Artistic Freedom

In her letter, Joshi described the situation as an “unofficial ban,” one that silences the film before audiences even have the chance to see it. She emphasized that there was no formal government order preventing the release, yet theatre owners were allegedly being intimidated into withdrawing support. According to Joshi, this pressure campaign had escalated over time, beginning with public mockery of the film by the Chief Minister years before its completion.

Joshi’s appeal was not just a request for the film’s release—it was a broader plea for the protection of artistic expression. “I seek not a favour for a film,” she wrote, “but space for art, for truth, for Maa Bharati’s soul to speak without fear.” Her words underscored the emotional and cultural weight she believes the film carries, portraying it as a story of survival and hope rooted in historical trauma.

The Film’s Content and Controversy

The Bengal Files explores the communal violence that took place in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, focusing on events such as Direct Action Day, the Noakhali riots, and the trauma of Partition. The film aims to shed light on what Joshi and Agnihotri describe as a “long-suppressed truth” about the Hindu genocide and the sociopolitical upheaval that followed.

Given its sensitive subject matter, the film was always likely to provoke strong reactions. However, Joshi claims that the backlash began well before the film’s release. She cited baseless FIRs, police interference during promotional events, and media reluctance to carry advertisements as part of a coordinated effort to suppress the film. Most troubling, she said, were the threats directed at her family and the fear expressed by theatre owners who declined to screen the film.

Support from the Artistic Community

Joshi’s letter also highlighted the support she has received from prominent figures and organizations. Legendary actor and Padma Bhushan awardee Victor Banerjee, along with several Bengali cultural groups in India and abroad, have reportedly petitioned the President in favor of the film’s release. Their involvement, Joshi argued, proves that “truth still has allies.”

This groundswell of support adds weight to Joshi’s appeal, framing it not as a solitary protest but as part of a larger movement advocating for historical transparency and artistic freedom. The film’s cast includes notable names such as Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Saswata Chatterjee, and Namashi Chakraborty, further amplifying its visibility and cultural impact.

A Personal and Political Appeal

Joshi’s letter to President Murmu was deeply personal. She invoked the President’s own journey—from the margins to the highest constitutional office—as a symbol of resilience and transformation. “Only you can truly understand what it means to endure such pain and turn it into purpose,” Joshi wrote, drawing a parallel between the film’s themes and Murmu’s life story.

By framing her appeal in this way, Joshi positioned The Bengal Files not just as a cinematic work, but as a cultural artifact deserving of protection. Her message was clear: this is not about politics, but about the right to tell stories that challenge dominant narratives and give voice to forgotten histories.

The Role of the President

While the President of India does not typically intervene in matters of film distribution, Joshi’s appeal reflects a growing trend of artists seeking constitutional protection for their work. In recent years, filmmakers, writers, and performers have increasingly turned to legal and political institutions to defend their right to free expression.

Joshi’s letter was also addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, indicating a multi-pronged effort to secure the film’s release. Whether these appeals will result in concrete action remains to be seen, but they have certainly brought national attention to the issue.

The Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding The Bengal Files raises important questions about censorship, political influence, and the role of art in society. While there is no official ban on the film, the reported intimidation of theatre owners suggests a climate of fear that can be just as effective in stifling dissent.

For many observers, the situation is reminiscent of past controversies involving politically charged films. The tension between creative freedom and political sensitivity is not new, but the stakes appear to be rising. As Joshi noted, “truth also needs protection,” especially when it challenges entrenched power structures.

Looking Ahead

As of now, The Bengal Files is set to release in theatres across India, except in West Bengal where its fate remains uncertain. Joshi and Agnihotri continue to advocate for its screening, emphasizing the importance of allowing audiences to judge the film for themselves.

Whether or not the President responds directly to Joshi’s appeal, the letter has already succeeded in sparking a national conversation. It has drawn attention to the challenges faced by filmmakers who tackle controversial subjects and highlighted the need for institutional safeguards that protect artistic expression.

In the end, The Bengal Files may be remembered not just for its content, but for the battle surrounding its release—a battle that speaks to the enduring tension between truth and power, and the courage required to tell stories that matter.