The Bengal Files (2025) [Movie Review]: A Stark Reckoning of Bengal’s Bloody Past

The Bengal Files weaves a fiction around real historical turmoil. It dramatizes the Great Calcutta Killings (Direct Action Day, 16 August 1946) and related Bengal riots, events that profoundly shaped India’s independence and partition. The narrative switches between 1946 and the present day: in modern West Bengal, CBI officer Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumaar) investigates a missing-journalist case that leads him into a web of political conspiracy. Pallavi Joshi’s aging Bharati Banerjee holds the key: as her memories slip, they open a window onto pre-Partition Bengal’s trauma. In this way, the film blends a contemporary thriller with a historical flashback, using Shiva’s probe to uncover past atrocities. The storyline is built on documented history, aiming to shed light on a “hidden” chapter of the independence movement.

Key Highlights:

• Dramatic retelling of the 1946 Direct Action Day and Bengal riots.

• Directed by Vivek Agnihotri as the finale of his Files trilogy.

• Runs 204 minutes, making it one of Indian cinema’s longest films.

• Raw, no-holds-barred portrayal of communal violence.

• Powerful lead performances — Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar stand out.

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Direction and Tone

Vivek Agnihotri serves as writer-director on this searing political drama. He tackles the material with an unflinching eye: the cinematography and edit linger on graphic scenes of violence and bloodshed. Critics note the film’s “no-holds-barred depiction of documented truth”. Scenes of horrific brutality (often left in full view, with few cuts) underscore the film’s message. One reviewer warns that the “brutality and gore are too graphic” and that the 204-minute runtime is “excessive”. Indeed, at 3 hours 24 minutes, the film demands patience – but Agnihotri apparently believes the weight of this untold history justifies the length. The pacing is deliberate, sometimes feeling over-indulgent, yet it immerses the audience in Bengal’s chaos. In sum, the direction is bold and direct: it prioritizes impact over subtlety, aiming to provoke a strong emotional response.

Performances

The intense drama rests on a strong ensemble, and Pallavi Joshi stands out with an impeccable portrayal of elderly Bharati, whose life is marked by communal horrors. In her younger avatar, Simratt Kaur Randhawa shines as well – her fiery portrayal of young Bharati is full of grace and intensity. Darshan Kumaar portrays Shiva Pandit convincingly — a dedicated CBI officer wrestling with conscience and obligation. Saswata Chatterjee is suitably menacing as the hardline MLA Husseini, providing a chilling counterpoint. Veterans Anupam Kher (as Mahatma Gandhi) and Mithun Chakraborty (as a down-and-out ex-cop) bring gravitas to their roles, with Chakraborty’s cynical cop being called “stupendous” by reviewers. Among newcomers, Namashi Chakraborty (as the sadistic Ghulam) and Eklavya Sood (as Sikh veteran Amar) make a strong impression – Sood’s charged presence is noted as “intensity personified”. In short, the acting is a highlight: critics agree the film is “saved by the performances”, especially Joshi and Darshan, without whom the film’s heavy subject might not land as effectively.

Read More: “The Bengal Files” Fuels Controversy Over Unofficial Ban in West Bengal

Themes and Impact

Unlike many Partition dramas set in Punjab or Sindh, The Bengal Files turns the lens on Bengal’s forgotten bloodletting. It forces us to confront how communal passions and political maneuvers led to tragedy in eastern India. The film squarely explores complex themes of leadership and ideology: it questions Gandhi’s nonviolence in the face of brutality and blames the Muslim League’s hardline stance for inciting the riots. By dramatizing real incidents, it sparks debate about historical memory. While some may debate the film’s take on history, it undeniably brings Bengal’s 1946 tragedy into mainstream discourse. The unrelenting imagery of suffering – from arson to slaughter – is meant to unsettle viewers and prompt reflection. In that sense, the film achieves its goal of engaging audiences with a “hidden truth” of India’s past.

Verdict: A Must-Watch for History Buffs

The Bengal Files delivers a fearless, uncompromising piece of filmmaking. Rated 8 out of 10 by critics, it is lauded for its ambition and acting. Viewers should go in aware: it is a tough, brutal watch with a very long running time. But for those interested in India’s independence history, the film delivers a scarring yet searing experience. Its emotional power and compelling performances make it a rewarding, if intense, viewing. In the end, Vivek Agnihotri’s finale to the Files Trilogy stands out as a powerful Bollywood political drama – one that ensures Bengal’s pain won’t be forgotten.

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Overall Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A hard-hitting historical drama with unflinching realism and outstanding performances.