The Bengal Files – Film Review (September 2025)

In September 2025 we posted a detailed review of Vivek Agnihotri's The Bengal Files. The movie runs over three hours, mixes a missing‑person mystery with the trauma of Direct Action Day, and pulls no punches in showing violence. If you missed the article, here's what we covered and why it still matters.

What the film does

The story follows Darshan Kumaar, a police officer played by Darshan Kumaar, who is hunting for a young woman who vanished during the 1946 riots. As he follows clues, we jump between the present and flashbacks of mass killings that split Kolkata. Pallavi Joshi appears as a journalist trying to document the horrors. The director, Vivek Agnihotri, uses long takes, stark lighting, and raw sound to make the audience feel the panic of that night.

We noted that the film’s craftsmanship – the cinematography, the period‑accurate costumes, and the haunting score – earned genuine praise. Even critics who disagreed with the politics admitted the technical work was top‑notch. The movie doesn’t shy away from graphic scenes; blood, fire, and shouting crowds fill the screen, a choice that sparked a lot of conversation online.

Why the review sparked debate

Agnihotri ties the 1946 violence to modern political tensions in Bengal, suggesting a line of continuity that many found provocative. Some readers felt the film pushed a particular narrative, while others appreciated the bold attempt to link past and present. Our review highlighted both sides, pointing out where the story felt balanced and where it seemed to lean toward an agenda.

We also discussed the missing‑person subplot. It adds a human touch that keeps the long runtime from feeling like a pure history lesson. By focusing on one family's loss, the film reminds viewers that behind every statistic is a personal tragedy.

Overall, the article concluded that The Bengal Files is a polarizing but technically impressive work. It offers a gritty look at a dark chapter of Indian history while forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable parallels today.

If you want a quick take: the film is well‑made, very long, and politically charged. Our review breaks down the plot, the visual style, and the public reaction so you can decide whether to watch it or skip it.

Stay tuned for more archives. Each month we pull out the most talked‑about pieces, give you the main points, and add context you might have missed. September’s focus on The Bengal Files shows how cinema can reignite historical debates and why it matters for today’s conversations.