The Bengal Files explores Bengal’s forgotten tragedies through a long, intense, and unflinching narrative. Is it worth watching?
-Robin Bhuyan
The Bengal Files, written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, released in theaters on 5 September 2025 as the concluding chapter of his Files trilogy. At a staggering 204 minutes, it is one of the longest Indian films in recent memory. The film explores the underrepresented tragedies of Direct Action Day (1946) and the Noakhali riots, bringing to light events that mainstream history has often avoided.
Agnihotri does not take the safe route here. His film is uncompromising, unflinching, and determined to confront the brutality of those times head-on. Where textbooks and earlier filmmakers stayed cautious, The Bengal Files dives straight into the darkest corners of Bengal’s past, pulling no punches in its storytelling. Now let us see what makes the film special and if you should consider watching it.
Visuals That Shock and Haunt
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its visual approach. The cinematography by Attar Singh Saini refuses to romanticize or soften the horrors being portrayed. Bloodshed, riots, and chaos are shown in their rawest form, with visuals designed to shock and disturb rather than entertain. This is not violence created for spectacle but rather violence meant to scar the viewer, forcing them to acknowledge the reality of what unfolded in those turbulent years.
Certain frames stay etched in the memory long after the credits roll. This includes the smoky skies of Calcutta, the chaotic streets drenched in red, and the haunting aftermath of riots. There is no escape provided to the audience, and that is exactly the point. The film demands confrontation, even when the images feel unbearable.
Performances That Carry the Burden
The success of a story this heavy depends on the shoulders of its cast, and here the film delivers. Pallavi Joshi brings deep gravitas to her role as Maa Bharati, the elderly survivor whose memories form much of the emotional foundation of the film. Her portrayal carries both grief and resilience, evoking the weight of history with every line and gesture.Simratt Kaur, playing the younger Bharati, embodies pain, fear, and defiance with raw conviction. Her performance is probably the most memorable in the film, bridging the audience to the past in a way that feels immediate and deeply personal.
Darshan Kumar, as CBI officer Shiva Pandit, provides a steady anchor in the present-day narrative. While he doesn’t show too many emotions, his character is torn between empathy and bureaucracy, and his restrained acting keeps the modern thread believable. Saswata Chatterjee does a commendable job in the role of MLA Sardar Husseini. His performance is chilling, making us hate his character from the start. His quiet menace lingers in every scene. While some can argue that Anupam Kher was not entirely suitable for the role of MK Gandhi, actor Rajesh Khera nails the role of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, though the actor portrayed Gandhi as well in the film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya has a compelling cameo as Rajendar Lal Roychawdhary. The supporting cast including Namashi Chakraborty, Sourav Das, Mohan Kapoor, Priyanshu Chatterjee, and Eklavya Sood, all leave their mark, with each character being equally important. Each of them contributes to the reminder that this is not just a story about individuals but about a collective wound that shaped generations.
Intention vs. Execution
There is no doubt that The Bengal Files is bold in its intent. It dares to show this historical event as it was- bloody, messy, and uncomfortable. This bravery is its strongest asset.
But execution is where the film sometimes falters. At over three hours, the runtime feels excessive, and certain portions stretch longer than necessary. There are moments when the engagement dips, and you may find yourself slightly bored. The length, rather than adding weight, occasionally dilutes the impact. But don’t worry, because by the time you reach the end, the ending will be worth it.
The modern storyline involving the missing tribal girl and the CBI investigation feels too simplistic and does not integrate as tightly with the historical narrative as it did in The Kashmir Files. The threads tying past and present lack the same emotional force, which makes the structure less convincing. On the technical side too, the film is not as polished as its predecessor. The editing could have been sharper, and some sequences feel overindulgent.
Yet, despite these shortcomings, the film succeeds in its core mission – to confront a neglected chapter of history with honesty and urgency. Yes, some critics might debate that the film was made with a certain agenda in mind. That might be true, but that doesn’t change history or the facts.
A Balanced Take
The Bengal Files is not an easy film to watch, nor is it meant to be. It drags in places, yes, but its boldness in exposing truths that even many history books have sidestepped makes it invaluable. The subject matter is so powerful that even when interest dips, the story’s weight pulls the audience back in.
It is not a perfect film, but a necessary one. The rough edges, the uneven pacing, and the simplistic modern arc cannot overshadow the importance of what it achieves. This film shines a harsh light on a past that deserves to be remembered, even if remembering it is painful.
So, should you watch The Bengal Files?
If you care for the history of India, then definitely. The Bengal Files is disturbing, overwhelming, and far from perfect, yet it is also noble in its ambition. It chooses not to sugarcoat, not to sanitize, and not to comfort. Instead, it provokes and unsettles, ensuring that the audience walks away with questions, discomforts, and perhaps even anger. That, in itself, is a victory for a film of this kind.
For those who value cinema that challenges and informs rather than simply entertains, The Bengal Files is a must-watch. Despite its unevenness, its heart and courage make it an important work.
Rating 7 out of 10 stars
