Vivek Agnihotri, an Indian filmmaker known for his work in Hindi cinema, has carved a unique, often controversial, space for himself in the industry. From initial struggles to recent box office successes and renewed controversy, here's a look at seven of his films that have shaken India and the box office:
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Chocolate (2005): Agnihotri's directorial debut, Chocolate, a crime thriller, failed to impress critics and didn't perform well at the box office. The film, a remake of The Usual Suspects, marked a rocky start to his career.
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Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007): This sports drama about an all-Asian football team in the United Kingdom also received a poor reception and did "average" business at the box office.
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Hate Story (2012): Hate Story received mixed reviews but managed to fare moderately well at the box office. This erotic thriller was a departure from his earlier work.
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Zid (2014): This erotic thriller also received poor reviews, but did average business at the box office. Agnihotri has since claimed that he was not involved with the film's direction and screenplay.
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The Tashkent Files (2019): The Tashkent Files, a film based on the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, became a sleeper hit at the box office. The film also won a National Film Award for Best Screenplay - Dialogues for Agnihotri.
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The Kashmir Files (2022): This film, depicting the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus, became a blockbuster hit and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2022. The Kashmir Files also earned Agnihotri the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. However, it also sparked significant controversy, with some critics accusing it of distorting history and promoting a divisive narrative.
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The Bengal Files (2025): Originally titled "The Delhi Files", this film focuses on the Direct Action Day and the Noakhali Riots. Released in September 2025, The Bengal Files has received mixed reviews and has struggled at the box office. Political controversies have also surrounded the film, with accusations of blocked screenings in West Bengal.
Agnihotri's career has been marked by both critical failures and commercial successes. While films like Chocolate and Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal failed to make a mark, The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files brought him significant attention and box office success. However, these successes have often been accompanied by controversy, with accusations of historical distortion and propaganda. His latest film, The Bengal Files, continues this trend, generating political debate while struggling to find an audience.
Recently, Agnihotri has voiced concerns about the state of Bollywood, criticizing the industry's superficial practices and its perceived lack of adaptation to technological changes like AI. He has also stated that he cares more about the reaction of people to his films than box office numbers.
