Vivek Agnihotri, the director of the upcoming film 'The Bengal Files,' has stated that he will pursue legal action if the West Bengal government attempts to stall the film's release. The film, which is slated to release on September 5, 2025, revolves around the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946.

The trailer launch of 'The Bengal Files' in Kolkata was marred by controversy, with Agnihotri alleging that some individuals were attempting to prevent the film's release in Bengal due to their "political ambitions". According to reports, a multiplex initially canceled the scheduled trailer launch at the last minute. The event was then moved to a hotel, where Agnihotri claimed the power supply was disrupted and police inquired about permissions.

Agnihotri stated that the film had been passed by the censor board without any cuts, following review by both the examining and revising committees. He emphasized the responsibility and sincerity with which the film was made, expressing his belief that "Bengalis will be proud of this film".

However, a Kolkata Police official stated that Agnihotri did not have the necessary permission for a public screening. According to sources, Agnihotri did not seek permission for the trailer launch, potentially violating the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954.

In response to the disruptions, Agnihotri stated, "We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you… We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it (stop the release)".

The film has also sparked controversy over its portrayal of Gopal Chandra Mukherjee, a figure known for his role in resisting violence during the 1946 riots. Santanu Mukherjee, Gopal Chandra Mukherjee's grandson, has filed a police complaint against Agnihotri, alleging that the film distorts his grandfather's identity. He claims that Agnihotri, in a video, referred to his grandfather as "Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha," which Santanu asserts is a misrepresentation, as his grandfather was a wrestler and a key figure in the Anushilan Samiti. A legal notice has been sent to Agnihotri, demanding an apology for the alleged distortion.

The Trinamool Congress has responded to the controversy, with spokesperson Kunal Ghosh calling Agnihotri's allegations "baseless". Ghosh challenged Agnihotri to make films about other sensitive topics, questioning his motives and accusing him of distorting facts and maligning West Bengal at the behest of the BJP.

'The Bengal Files' features a cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Priyanshu Chatterjee, and Darshan Kumar.