Vivek Agnihotri hails BJP victory in Bengal, recalls Mamata's ban on Kashmir Files screening
Synopsis
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has seized on the BJP's victory in West Bengal to vindicate his long-running battle with Mamata Banerjee's government, which had banned his films and barred him from the state. His public statement underscores the polarization around cinema and free expression in the state, and signals how cultural disputes have become electoral flashpoints in Indian politics.
Key Takeaways
Director Vivek Agnihotri responded to BJP 's West Bengal election victory on 5 May 2026 , citing past restrictions by Mamata Banerjee's government.
The Kashmir Files was withdrawn from cinema halls in West Bengal after its release, and Agnihotri was barred from entering the state.
The Bengal Files was completely banned in West Bengal ; its trailer launch on 16 August 2025 (Direct Action Day anniversary) was blocked.
Agnihotri claimed he faced attacks, assaults, and multiple FIRs during the restrictions.
The filmmaker stated that The Bengal Files was circulated underground across West Bengal during the election campaign.
Director Vivek Agnihotri, known for films including The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files, on Monday responded to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s victory in the recently concluded West Bengal assembly elections, citing his own clashes with the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee. In an Instagram post, Agnihotri recounted how the state government had restricted his films and barred him from entering the state.
Restrictions on Kashmir Files and Bengal Files
Agnihotri stated that after The Kashmir Files was released, Mamata Banerjee's government withdrew the film from cinema halls and declared he would not be permitted to enter West Bengal. He further noted that The Bengal Files was completely banned in the state, with the government blocking the trailer launch scheduled for 16 August 2025 — the 79th anniversary of Direct Action Day. The director claimed he faced attacks, assaults, and multiple FIRs filed against him during this period.
Filmmaker's response during elections
Agnihotri said that despite the restrictions, he ensured The Bengal Files was circulated to audiences across West Bengal during the election campaign, describing the effort as fighting
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vivek Agnihotri say about Mamata Banerjee's election defeat?
On 5 May 2026 , Agnihotri posted on Instagram celebrating the BJP 's victory in West Bengal , recounting how Mamata Banerjee's government had restricted his films and barred him from the state. He framed his own struggle as part of a broader fight against censorship.
Why was The Kashmir Files withdrawn in West Bengal?
After The Kashmir Files was released, the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee withdrew the film from cinema halls in West Bengal . Agnihotri claimed the government also declared he would not be allowed to enter the state.
What happened to The Bengal Files trailer launch?
The Bengal Files was completely banned in West Bengal . The planned trailer launch on 16 August 2025 — coinciding with the 79th anniversary of Direct Action Day — was blocked by the state government. Agnihotri stated the filmmaker faced attacks and multiple FIRs during this period.
What is Direct Action Day and why is it significant to The Bengal Files?
Direct Action Day occurred on 16 August 1946 and is marked as one of the darkest chapters in India's history, when widespread communal riots erupted in Kolkata and spread to Noakhali , Bihar , and Punjab . The Bengal Files is based on these events and the violence that followed.
How did Agnihotri respond during the West Bengal elections?
Agnihotri stated that despite the ban, he ensured The Bengal Files was circulated to audiences across West Bengal during the election campaign, describing it as fighting "in our own little way."
