It’s quite a buzz in the entertainment world when a film faces hurdles before even hitting screens. Actress and producer Pallavi Joshi recently took a bold step. She penned a heartfelt letter directly to President Draupadi Murmu. Her plea? To ensure her upcoming film, ‘The Bengal Files,’ gets a fair chance to release in West Bengal.
The film, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is set to open in cinemas on September 5. However, there’s been strong opposition to its release in the region. This has led Joshi, who also stars in the movie, to reach out to the highest office. She’s asking for help to overcome what she calls an “unofficial ban.”
A Plea for Truth and Freedom
In her letter, Joshi explained the deep meaning behind ‘The Bengal Files.’ She told the President, “Madam President, with a heavy heart, I request you, not for a favor, but for safety.” She described the movie as the final chapter in the “Files Trilogy.” It explores the “long-suppressed truth” of the Hindu genocide on ‘Direct Action Day’ and the terrible events of Noakhali. The film also delves into the trauma of the partition.
Joshi highlighted the difficulties the film has faced in West Bengal. She wrote that even before the movie was finished, the Chief Minister made fun of it. Since then, her team has dealt with “baseless FIRs.” Police have stopped their trailer, and newspapers are hesitant to publish ads for the film. Her family receives threats from political party members daily.
Unofficial Roadblocks
The challenges don’t stop there. Theater owners have reportedly told the filmmakers they are being threatened. They fear violence from members of the ruling political party if they show the movie. Joshi noted, “There is no official ban, yet an unofficial ban silences people before they even see the film.” This situation creates a chilling effect, preventing the film from reaching its intended audience despite no legal restrictions.
Producer of #TheBengalFiles, Pallavi Joshi, writes an open letter to the President of India:
URGENT APPEAL:
Your Excellency, @rashtrapatibhvn,“As Producer of #TheBengalFiles, I am pained that multiplex chains in Bengal have refused the film’s release under political pressure… pic.twitter.com/ERTLvqxp3y
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 4, 2025
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 4, 2025
Seeking Constitutional Protection
Joshi emphasized that “truth also needs protection.” She made a clear statement in her letter: “Madam President, I ask not for a favor for a film, but for art, for truth, for the soul of Mother India, a place to speak without fear.” She sees the President as her “last hope.” Joshi urged the President to “protect our constitutional right and allow The Bengal Files to be released peacefully in West Bengal.”
The film is set to hit theaters on September 5. It features a talented cast including Pallavi Joshi herself, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Mithun Chakraborty. Interestingly, these stars were also part of the successful ‘The Kashmir Files’ film. This new appeal highlights the ongoing challenges filmmakers face when telling stories that spark strong public reactions.