West Bengal experienced a dramatic political turning point as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a prominent victory over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur seat, traditionally a Trinamool Congress (TMC) stronghold. Following the outcome, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri posted a celebratory message, calling it a key moment of transformation. On May 5, ‘The Kashmir Files’ director shared a detailed Instagram statement, accusing Mamata of conducting a campaign against him in West Bengal. He argued that it delayed his films from reaching state audiences, especially amid controversies over some of his works.
Vivek Agnihotri accuses Mamata Banerjee of cancelling him and his movie ‘The Bengal Files‘ in West Bengal
Vivek accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of ordering his movie ‘The Kashmir Files’, about the 1990s Kashmiri Pandits exodus, out of West Bengal theatres. He added that she also prevented him from entering the state. He wrote, “NEVER AGAIN. For those who don’t know, @MamataOfficial cancelled me in Bengal after the release of #TheKashmirFiles. The film was taken out of cinema halls, and she said I would NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER Bengal. Last year, she BANNED #TheBengalFiles completely in West Bengal. Our trailer launch was blocked. We were attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive my award from the Governor”.He continued, “But we never gave up. During these elections, we ensured that #TheBengalFiles was shown to as many people as possible (underground) across Bengal. I am glad we didn’t give (up) and fought in our own little way. And finally…this unprecedented victory. Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk without fear, with your head held high”.
About Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Bengal Files’
Vivek Agnihotri’s political drama ‘The Bengal Files’ was released in cinemas on September 5, 2025. It features Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, Anupam Kher, and Simrat Kaur. It showcases the 1946 Direct Action Day and Noakhali riots.