Archive · 10 Nov 2025
The Bengal Files Set for OTT Release on Zee5
A movie called 'The Bengal Files' is coming to a streaming service called ZEE5 on November 21, 2025.
It's directed by Vivek Agnihotri and is the third movie in his 'Files' series, following 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files'.
The movie talks about a difficult time in India's history in 1946, called the Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots.
The director wants to show the pain and courage of people during that time.
Some people found the movie controversial, and it was even banned in Kolkata.
Actors like Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty are in the film.
The movie's producers say it's important to remember these stories from the past.
It will be available for everyone to watch at home on ZEE5.
'The Bengal Files', directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, will be released on ZEE5 on November 21, 2025.
The film is the third in Agnihotri's 'Files Trilogy', preceded by 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files'.
It focuses on the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots, exploring themes of violence, displacement, and resilience.
The movie stars Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, and Darshan Kumar.
The film aims to bring attention to forgotten historical events and was previously banned in Kolkata.
- Who
- Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and his film 'The Bengal Files'
- What
- The digital release of the historical drama 'The Bengal Files' on the OTT platform ZEE5.
- When
- November 21, 2025
- Where
- Streaming exclusively on ZEE5
- Why
- To allow a wider audience to experience the film which revisits the 1946 Bengal riots and explores themes of violence and displacement.
Film's Intent & Artistic Expression
Concerns & Controversies
Historical Portrayal
Film's Intent & Artistic Expression
Director Vivek Agnihotri states the film aims to remind audiences of forgotten chapters and the price of silence, bringing Bengal's pain, courage, and truth to the forefront. Co-producer Pallavi Joshi emphasizes capturing a buried truth rooted in reality and emotion.
Concerns & Controversies
The film's subject matter, dealing with the Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots, is described as sensitive and potentially controversial, leading to a prior ban in Kolkata.
Trilogy Context
Film's Intent & Artistic Expression
The film is positioned as the third installment in Agnihotri's 'Files Trilogy,' following 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files,' continuing his exploration of India's political and social memory.
Concerns & Controversies
The previous films in the trilogy have also sparked discussion and controversy, suggesting a pattern of addressing uncomfortable historical and political topics.
- Film Title
- The Bengal Files
- Director
- Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
- Producers
- Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi
- Presenters
- Abhishek Agarwal Arts, I Am Buddha Productions
- OTT Platform
- ZEE5
- OTT Release Date
- November 21, 2025
- Theatrical Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- Key Cast
- Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Saswata Chatterjee
Sources
Vivek Agnihotri Birthday: 7 Best Films By The Filmmaker You Must Watch
The Bengal Files OTT Release: When and where to stream Vivek Agnihotri’s political drama
The Bengal Files OTT release: When and where to watch Vivek Agnihotri’s controversial political thriller
