Saswata Chatterjee Steps Back from The Bengal Files Amid Controversy

Saswata Chatterjee ’s decision to step back from The Bengal Files shows how tricky it can be for actors when a film gets caught in controversy. As an actor, he took on a challenging role, but he’s making it clear he doesn’t support or fully understand the film’s narrative. Meanwhile, Vivek Agnihotri is standing firm, promising to tell a bold story despite the opposition. With its release just weeks away, The Bengal Files is sure to keep people talking. Will it spark meaningful discussion or deepen divides? Only time will tell.

What Is The Bengal Files About?

The Bengal Files is a film by Vivek Agnihotri, known for movies like The Kashmir Files. It focuses on the 1946 riots in Kolkata, particularly the Direct Action Day, and aims to tell the story of what the filmmakers call a “Hindu genocide.” The movie stars big names like Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Saswata Chatterjee. However, its trailer and storyline have caused arguments, with some accusing it of twisting historical facts.

Why Is Saswata Chatterjee Distancing Himself?

Saswata Chatterjee, a well-known Bengali actor, recently shared his concerns in an interview with The Wall. He explained that he’s only an actor, not a historian, and his job is to play the role given to him, not to check if the story is historically accurate. Here’s why he’s stepping back:

• Name Change Confusion: Saswata said the film was originally called The Delhi Files during shooting. He was surprised to learn later that it was renamed The Bengal Files without anyone informing him.
• Lack of Full Story: He revealed that he wasn’t told the entire plot of the movie. He only knew about his character, a villain, which he found exciting to play. Actors are often given just their parts, not the whole story, which is common in big films.
• Not His Role to Judge: Saswata made it clear he doesn’t have the expertise to judge if the film’s story is correct or fair. He said, “If people think Bengal is being shown in a bad light, they can go to court with facts. Just making noise doesn’t help.”

Why Is the Movie Controversial?

The Bengal Files have stirred up trouble for several reasons:

• Historical Claims: The trailer calls freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee a “butcher” and “goat,” which has upset his grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee. He says this insults his grandfather, who fought for India’s independence and worked with leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Shantanu has filed a legal notice and an FIR against Vivek Agnihotri for twisting facts.
• FIRs Filed: Several complaints (FIRs) have been filed against the filmmakers, accusing them of spreading communal hatred by showing the 1946 riots in a way that some believe is biased.
• Trailer Launch Cancelled: The trailer launch event in Kolkata was stopped by police on August 16, 2025, due to what Vivek Agnihotri called “political pressure.” He claimed the event was moved to a private hotel but was still disrupted, raising questions about freedom of expression .

Vivek Agnihotri’s Response

Vivek Agnihotri has defended his film, saying it tells the “truth” about the 1946 Hindu genocide . In a video message, he called the cancellation of the trailer launch “dictatorship” and questioned why authorities were trying to silence the film. He vowed to release the trailer in Kolkata despite the challenges, stating, “Truth cannot be silenced.”

What’s the Public Saying?

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions:

• Some support Vivek, believing he’s bravely telling a hidden story. One X post said, “Stay strong, Vivek. We stand with you.”
• Others criticize the film, calling it propaganda that could divide people. A user on X wrote, “Shame on Bengali actors for acting in this vile trash. It’s not art—it’s a weapon to divide.”
• Saswata’s decision to distance himself has also drawn attention, with some praising his honesty and others questioning why he joined the project without knowing the full story.

What’s Next for The Bengal Files?

The movie is set to release on September 5, 2025, but its journey is already rocky. With legal complaints, public debates, and now Saswata’s statement, it’s unclear if the film will face more hurdles, like a possible ban in West Bengal. Saswata himself said he’s unsure if the movie will be allowed to be released in the state due to the backlash.