“The Bengal Files” – When and Where You Can Now Stream the Controversial Historical Drama
“The Bengal Files,” the latest installment in filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s ”Files” series, is now available for streaming.Following its theatrical release on September 5th,you can now watch this politically charged drama from the comfort of your home,starting November 21st,exclusively on ZEE5.
This film delves into a turbulent period of Indian history – the communal violence that ravaged undivided Bengal during the 1940s. Specifically, it focuses on the harrowing events surrounding Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946) and the subsequent Noakhali riots.
A look at the Story and Cast
The narrative unfolds through a compelling cast, including:
* Darshan Kumaar
* Pallavi Joshi
* Simrat Kaur
* Mithun Chakraborty
* Anupam Kher
* Saswata Chatterjee
* Namashi Chakraborty
* Punit Issar
* Priyanshu Chatterjee
* Dibyendu Bhattacharya
* Mohan Kapur
Produced jointly by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, and presented by tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha productions, the film aims to shed light on a largely untold and often misrepresented chapter of India’s past.
From “Delhi Files” to “The Bengal Files”: A Title Change Explained
Initially titled “The Delhi Files: Bengal Chapter,” Agnihotri opted for a simpler title. He realized during promotional events in the United States that the original title created confusion. Many assumed the film focused on the Sikh riots or the delhi riots, rather than the specific events in Bengal.Therefore, he streamlined the title to “The Bengal Files” to ensure clarity and focus.
A Disappointing Box Office Run
Despite the weighty subject matter and a talented cast, “The Bengal Files” underperformed at the box office. It earned a net of ₹17 crore in India and grossed ₹23 crore worldwide, falling short of its estimated ₹60 crore production budget.The film also faced competition from “Baaghi 4,” another action thriller that similarly struggled to find an audience.
Why Watch “The Bengal Files”?
If you’re interested in Indian history, notably the events leading up to Partition, this film offers a dramatic interpretation of a critical period. It attempts to explore the complexities of communal tensions and the human cost of political upheaval. While the film has sparked debate and controversy, it undeniably brings a significant historical event to the forefront, prompting viewers to consider different perspectives.
You can now stream “The Bengal Files” on ZEE5 and form your own informed opinion about this ambitious and provocative film.
