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Mithun Chakraborty Breaks Silence as Bengal Files Trailer Halts by Police and Political Storm 


The trailer launch of The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, turned chaotic in Kolkata on August 16 when police intervened to disrupt the event. Actor Mithun Chakraborty, who is part of the project, expressed his surprise at the situation. The film, already surrounded by controversy, is politically charged. Police halted the live trailer launch, claiming that the event organizers had violated their permits and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act. This led to escalating accusations of censorship and fascism surrounding the film.

Troubles at the Launch:  Police and a Power Cut

A Kolkata multiplex initially canceled the launch of a film due to political pressure and moved the event to the ITC Royal Bengal Hotel. As the trailer was being shown, police intervened, stating that the entertainment company did not have the necessary permits for the launch under the KMC Act. 

Agnihotri claimed that wires had been cut and described the situation as a form of dictatorship, while hotel officials stated that it was not their fault. When asked about the situation, Chakraborty, who was absent, affirmed that the film would be released on September 5, regardless of the circumstances. 

The movie producer, Abhishek Agarwal, even claimed that they are considering legal action in court. After some disruptions, the trailer was ultimately screened at the BJP's Salt Lake office. Actor Saswata Chatterjee, who is also part of the film's cast, distanced himself from the controversies surrounding the movie’s historical claims and launch interruptions, stating that he was paid to act, not to serve as a historian.

When asked if he was surprised about the change of venue for the trailer launch, Mithun Chakraborty told ANI, "I am surprised," but assured that the film has suffered nothing embarrassing enough to disrupt its release. ( source: OTTplay.com) 

Political Drama: TMC vs. BJP

The conflict was essentially a blame game. BJP's Sukanta Majumdar stated that the West Bengal government has concealed the "truth." In response, the TMC criticized the film as nothing more than cynical publicity, challenged Agnihotri to create ‘The BJP Files’, and claimed that the protest was a "gift to the BJP." This situation reflects the growing tensions as the state election approaches.

Content of the Film: Why the Fuss?

 The Bengal Files discusses the 1946 Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots - both of which Agnihotri's Kashmir Files (2022) presented as "genocide." The CBFC gave it a censor certificate, and the team has claimed their film exposes an "untold history," while critics counter that it promotes more divisive narratives.

This framing has created much animosity. While the film secured a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its exhibition, the filmmakers mention that it captures "an untold history." At the same time, critics focus on the implication of the framing, resulting in divisive and incendiary perspectives. 

What Happens Next?

Even with such challenges, the trailer ended with 2.59 lakh YouTube views in just a few hours. Legal challenges also await, but Agnihotri has promised to fight the charges related to the FIRs. Mithun Chakraborty declared, the truth cannot be stopped, a catchy statement that is consistent with the film's rebellious marketing. 

The movie is facing several legal challenges, with FIRs filed against Agnihotri and his team. These legal matters could threaten the release and distribution of the film. Agnihotri has stated publicly that they intend to fight the charges and has claimed, "The truth cannot be stopped." This statement aligns with the marketing of the film, which sells itself on ideas of revealing censored histories.