The Bengal Files

This film portrays the tragic events surrounding in 16 August 1946, also known as the , the violence soon spread to surrounding regions of , including events like and Tipperah ) through a cinematic narrative. The storyline is based on real incidents of communal violence that erupted in Bengal, significantly shaping India’s path to independence and partition. announced the project in April 2022 following the success of . Principal photography began in 2023. Agnihotri confirmed the filming of the film wrapped by January 2025. The cinematography of the film is handled by . is scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 September 2025. According to director , the film focuses on the communal violence in during the 1940s, particularly the riots and their aftermath. Though the film is set primarily in Bengal, Agnihotri initially chose the title because, in his words, “the destiny of India is written in Delhi and not Bengal.” He stated that the events in Bengal were shaped by decisions taken in Delhi during the 1940s. The events portrayed in the film are based on historical incidents such as , also known as the , which took place in August 1946. The violence, which originated in following the Muslim League’s declaration of Direct Action Day on 16 August, escalated into mass rioting, primarily affecting the Hindu population. Estimates of the death toll ranged from 5,000 to 10,000, with thousands more injured. The violence soon spread to surrounding regions, including , Tipperah ( ), , and , intensifying communal tensions across India. In April 2022, the Maharashtra Sikh Association issued objections, claiming the film would commercialise the but the director on that time has not confirmed the plot details. Although some speculated that the film is based on , later it was found to be based on also known as