Why is Pallavi Joshi Urging the President for the Release of ‘The Bengal Files’ in West Bengal?

Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) Actress-producer Pallavi Joshi has addressed an open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, imploring her to safeguard her constitutional rights and allow the film “The Bengal Files” to be screened in West Bengal without disruption.

Pallavi shared her heartfelt letter on Instagram, titled: “AN OPEN LETTER TO HER EXCELLENCY, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU JI (sic).

In her letter, she expressed: “Respected Madam President, With a heavy heart, I reach out to you, not for favours, but for protection.”

She noted that the film, set to debut on September 5, marks the concluding chapter of the “Files Trilogy”. The narrative reveals the “long-suppressed truth” regarding the Hindu genocide during Direct Action Day, the atrocities of Noakhali, and the trauma stemming from Partition.

“The Bengal Files, the final installment of the Files Trilogy, releases on 5th September. It uncovers the long-suppressed truth of the Hindu genocide of Direct Action Day, the horrors of Noakhali, and the suffering from Partition.”

“However, in West Bengal, the truth is under siege. Long before its completion, the Chief Minister ridiculed the film. Since that time, unfounded FIRs have been lodged, our trailer was obstructed by police, and newspapers refrain from carrying advertisements. My family faces daily threats from political party workers,” she elaborated.

Within her letter, Joshi asserted that although there is no official ban, “The Bengal Files” is encountering an “unofficial ban” in West Bengal, as theatre owners reported intimidation and threats, leading them to decline screenings due to fears of violence from ruling party affiliates.

“There is no official ban, yet an unofficial ban silences the film before people can see it.”

The actress-producer mentioned that the film enjoys backing from eminent actor Victor Banerjee, along with numerous Bengali organizations both in India and abroad.

“Renowned actor, Padma Bhushan Victor Banerjee, alongside various Bengali organizations in India and overseas, have already petitioned you. Their support illustrates that truth still has advocates,” she stated.

Describing the film as the “cry of Maa Bharati”, she concluded: “The Bengal Files is the cry of Maa Bharati, scarred yet unbroken, a story of survival and hope. As a woman who rose from the margins to the highest constitutional office, only you can truly understand what it means to endure such pain and turn it into purpose. This is cinema of truth. But truth also needs protection.”

Pallavi wrapped up her post by asserting: “Madam President, I seek not a favour for a film but space for art, for truth, for Maa Bharati's soul to speak without fear. You are my final hope. Please protect our constitutional right and let The Bengal Files be shown in West Bengal peacefully. With respect and gratitude, Pallavi Joshi Producer, The Bengal Files.”

Pallavi captioned the post: “URGENT APPEAL. Your Excellency, @presidentofindia, As Producer of #TheBengalFiles, I am pained that multiplex chains in Bengal have refused the film’s release under political pressure and threats by the ruling party. I plead for your intervention to uphold my constitutional rights and ensure its release in Bengal.”