The Bengal Files Opens with Strong Performances but Struggles with Emotional Impact

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s much-anticipated film The Bengal Files released in theatres nationwide today, marking the third installment of the director’s socio-political trilogy after The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. The film explores one of the most painful and less-discussed chapters in India’s history, the Direct Action Day of 1946, while intertwining it with a present-day investigative thriller. Despite its strong research base and powerful performances, early reviews indicate that the film struggles to create the emotional intensity its subject matter demands.

The Bengal Files follows CBI officer Shiva Pandit, played by Darshan Kumar, who is dispatched to Murshidabad to investigate the kidnapping of a Dalit girl. During his inquiry, Shiva encounters Bharti Banerjee, portrayed by Pallavi Joshi, a centenarian who holds the key to a series of dark revelations. Through Bharti’s narrative, the film transports viewers back to 1946, unveiling the horrors of communal riots that led to the slaughter of innocent Hindu men, women, and children during the Direct Action Day. The plot connects this historical tragedy with the present-day kidnapping, attempting to highlight the long shadows of communal violence that continue to affect lives decades later.

While the story is compelling and carefully researched, critics note that the screenplay lacks the precision required to fully engage the audience. The narrative spans two timelines — pre-independence Bengal and the present day — which, though ambitious, occasionally results in a scattered dramatic structure. The transitions between the past and present can feel abrupt, reducing the emotional weight that such a sensitive subject deserves. Although the scenes depicting the killings are visually disturbing and impactful, they do not consistently translate into an emotional catharsis for the audience. According to early reviewers, the film shocks but does not always move viewers to tears, suggesting that the emotional resonance remains underdeveloped.

The dialogues, penned by Agnihotri himself, are thoughtful and sharp in places but overly verbose in others. Long monologues and heavy exchanges between characters sometimes dilute the dramatic momentum, making the film feel stretched. At a runtime of three hours and twenty-four minutes, the film demands considerable patience, and the lengthy treatment risks alienating sections of the audience. Reviewers have observed that a crisper, more focused screenplay could have delivered a more powerful emotional experience.

Performance-wise, the film benefits from a strong ensemble cast. Darshan Kumar offers a convincing portrayal of the principled and determined CBI officer, bringing gravitas to the investigative narrative. Pallavi Joshi is widely regarded as the standout performer, her portrayal of Bharti Banerjee being described as brilliant, especially in the second half where her revelations form the emotional core of the film. Simrat Kaur as the younger Bharti provides a moving performance, capturing the character’s vulnerability during the traumatic historical events. Shashwat Chatterjee impresses as Sardar Hussaini, adding depth and intensity to his role. Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, playing a character who has lost his speech, delivers a nuanced performance through expressions and gestures, though some critics have pointed out that his partially intelligible dialogues create a disconnect for viewers.

Anupam Kher makes a brief but impactful appearance as Mahatma Gandhi, performing with characteristic naturalism. Namashi Chakraborty as Ghulam Hussaini and Ekagra Sood as Amar also leave their mark. The supporting cast, including Rajesh Khera as Jinnah, Priyanshu Chatterjee as Justice Banerjee, and several others, contribute meaningfully to the film, with nearly every actor lending credibility to their respective roles. Critics have praised the casting choices and the way each performer adds to the larger narrative fabric.

From a technical standpoint, The Bengal Files is polished and visually striking. Cinematographer Aatar Singh Saini’s work has been commended for capturing both the period settings and the present-day sequences with equal authenticity. The production design by Rajat Poddar successfully recreates pre-independence Bengal, immersing the audience in the historical backdrop. The action sequences choreographed by Paramjit Singh Dhillon are raw and realistic, complementing the film’s serious tone. Music plays an integral role, with traditional songs enhancing the cultural setting and Rohit Sharma’s background score heightening key moments of tension. However, the editing by Shankh Rajadhyaksha leaves room for improvement, as a sharper cut might have resulted in a tighter, more engaging film.

Early box-office reports suggest that the film has opened to a weak start, with collections on the lower side despite its pre-release buzz. Analysts believe that word-of-mouth could help the film pick up over the coming days, but they caution that its appeal may be limited primarily to a niche audience interested in historical-political dramas. The heavy subject matter, long duration, and scattered screenplay may prevent it from achieving mainstream commercial success.

Audience reactions so far reflect a mix of appreciation for the film’s courage in dealing with a sensitive topic and criticism for its length and narrative style. Social media discussions highlight admiration for Pallavi Joshi’s performance and for Agnihotri’s commitment to telling difficult stories from Indian history. At the same time, viewers have called for a more emotionally gripping approach to a tragedy of such scale, noting that while the film informs, it does not always inspire the empathy it aims for.

In terms of the larger context, The Bengal Files continues Agnihotri’s cinematic mission of revisiting historical events that he believes have been underrepresented or misinterpreted in popular discourse. The film is likely to generate debates around its portrayal of history and the artistic choices made in dramatizing real events. Whether it achieves the widespread impact of its predecessor The Kashmir Files remains to be seen, but it certainly contributes to the ongoing conversation about historical memory in Indian cinema.

As the film continues its theatrical run, its reception will depend largely on sustained interest from urban, multiplex-going audiences and its ability to spark dialogue about the events it depicts. The coming weeks will determine whether The Bengal Files can overcome its slow start and achieve a respectable box-office presence through critical discussions and audience engagement.

This The Bengal Files news report is not intended to defame, criticise, or undermine any player, coach, or team. It is based on verified match statistics, expert insights, and public opinion.