Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film The Bengal Files has sparked controversy after the trailer allegedly misrepresented freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, prompting his grandson to file a legal complaint. The film, set against the 1946 Direct Action Day riots, releases in cinemas on September 5, 2025
Vivek Agnihotri
Vivek Agnihotri’s next film The Bengal Files has already begun creating a stir even before its release. The film has now sparked controversy over its portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, a renowned Bengali fighter who played a pivotal role in stopping the 1946 riots and the atrocities against Hindus. His grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee, has filed a complaint against Agnihotri over what he calls the wrongful portrayal of his grandfather’s identity in the film.
What is the case about?
The trailer of The Bengal Files was unveiled on Saturday, August 16. In the trailer, Gopal Patha is introduced as “Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha”, which Shantanu claims is a misrepresentation of his grandfather. He asserted that his grandfather was never a butcher but a wrestler who played a crucial role in preventing the Muslim League riots in 1946.
Shantanu demands apology
Reportedly, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to the director demanding an apology for the alleged distortion of his grandfather’s character. He stated that the misrepresentation has hurt his family as well as the larger community. Shantanu said, “My grandfather was called Kashai (which means butcher) and also Patha (which means goat), which is disrespectful. I think Vivek Agnihotri should have researched more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He never contacted us either. That’s why we are protesting and will continue to do so. In protest, we have sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and also filed an FIR.”
He further added, “My grandfather was a part of the freedom movement. His ideology matched with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He worked with several notable freedom fighters. How can anyone say he was Kashai or Patha?”
The Bengal Files trailer
With another bold representation of India’s forgotten past, Vivek Agnihotri has unveiled the trailer of The Bengal Files, which narrates the tale of the alleged “Hindu Genocide” in West Bengal during Direct Action Day in 1946.
The film explores communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including events such as the Direct Action Day of 1946 and the Noakhali riots, which led to mass killings of Hindus.
The trailer opens with a monologue describing Bengal’s situation before partition. It features strong performances by Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumaar.
The video depicts the brutal killings during the riots between Hindus and Muslims in Kolkata. In one scene, Bengal is described as the “lighthouse” of India, showcasing its strong resistance to the partition.
While sharing the trailer on his Instagram handle, Vivek Agnihotri wrote, “In memory of the victims of Direct Action Day (16th August 1946), I present to you the official trailer of #TheBengalFiles — the boldest film ever on the untold story of the Hindu genocide. In cinemas 5th September 2025.”
View this post on Instagram
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
