Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, the final installment of the Files Trilogy, was released nationwide on Friday, September 5, 2025. While the film has been screened across India, it has faced an unofficial ban in West Bengal.

On Saturday, Agnihotri took to social media to highlight protests outside Rupkotha Cinema, where moviegoers are demanding the film be screened. He tweeted, “Finally, Bengalis in Bengal are protesting at cinema halls against the unofficial ban of #TheBengalFiles. You can also protest by tagging all big multiplex chains.”

Ahead of the release, producer Pallavi Joshi had written an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting protection against threats and political interference. Joshi’s letter detailed how the Chief Minister had previously mocked the film, FIRs had been filed without basis, the trailer was blocked by police, and newspapers avoided publishing ads. Theatre owners reportedly cited intimidation and threats from political party workers as reasons for refusing to screen the film, effectively enforcing an unofficial ban.

Despite these challenges, The Bengal Files has received positive reviews from critics. The Free Press Journal gave it three stars, describing it as “an emotionally haunting, hard-hitting film” and praised the performances of the female leads for elevating the narrative.

The film explores historically sensitive events, including the Hindu genocide on Direct Action Day, the Noakhali riots, and the trauma of Partition, making it a significant yet controversial release.