The air in Kolkata recently buzzed with more than just movie hype. It was a proper ruckus. Director Vivek Agnihotri gathered everyone for the trailer launch of his upcoming film, ‘The Bengal Files’. But instead of cheers, the event sparked fresh legal trouble. The film is already caught in a whirlwind of controversy. Agnihotri faces several police complaints. One major accusation hits close to home: he stands accused of twisting the image of a historical figure, Gopal Mukherjee.
The person making this serious charge is Shantanu Mukherjee. He is Gopal Mukherjee’s grandson. Shantanu filed a First Information Report, a police complaint, against the director. His claim? The film messes with his grandfather’s reputation. Gopal Mukherjee was a well-known Bengali hero. He helped stop riots back in 1946. People look up to him for his bravery. Now, the director has finally spoken about these claims.
A Phone Call to the Grandson
Speaking to a news agency, Agnihotri pushed back against the accusations. He pointed out a simple fact: “Nobody has even seen the movie yet.” He believes people are jumping to conclusions without knowing what the film shows. The director shared that he actually spoke to Mukherjee’s grandson on the phone. However, since the matter has turned legal, he stated he would respond through proper legal channels.
A Hero for Every Child
Agnihotri firmly believes Gopal Mukherjee was a hero. He expressed disappointment that few people knew about Mukherjee before this film. He feels this movie will change that. “Every child in this country will know him as a brave warrior,” he declared. He thinks the film will boost Mukherjee’s fame. The director is convinced that after watching the movie, everyone, including Mukherjee’s family, will be happy. “I can guarantee that,” he added.
Release Date and Cast
Agnihotri also hinted at political pressures in Bengal. He suggested people there might feel forced to say certain things. He believes they don’t have the freedom to speak openly. But he expects the grandson and others to be pleased once the film is out. ‘The Bengal Files’ features a strong lineup of actors. Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi are all part of the cast. The film is set to hit theaters on September 5, 2025.