Vivek Agnihotri Alleges Pressure on Theatres in Bengal, Plans Legal Action Over Film Ban

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has alleged that theatres in West Bengal are being threatened against screening his new film The Bengal Files. He claimed that both the state government and police are pressuring cinema owners, which has led to limited shows in the region. Agnihotri has stated that he is preparing to take legal action, arguing that such moves suppress creative freedom and restrict audience choice.

According to him, many theatre owners expressed interest in screening the film but later withdrew, citing fear of official backlash. This has sparked a debate about the freedom of artistic expression and whether films that deal with sensitive subjects face unfair obstacles in certain states. Agnihotri insisted that audiences should be allowed to decide the film’s fate instead of administrative restrictions.

The controversy comes at a time when politically charged films are seeing growing interest across Tier 2 cities, where audiences are keen to watch stories that blend history, politics, and social themes. Supporters of the filmmaker argue that restricting shows undermines democracy, while critics of the film suggest that sensitive portrayals must be handled responsibly to avoid unrest.

Agnihotri has announced that he will approach the courts if the issue persists, framing it as not just a battle for his film but also a wider fight for artistic freedom in India. The outcome of this dispute could influence how future films with controversial subjects are received and regulated in different states.

For now, The Bengal Files remains at the center of a political and cultural storm, raising questions about where the line between censorship, security concerns, and creative independence should be drawn.