An Insightful Review of the movie ‘The Bengal Files’
AVS
This is a slightly long post, so we kindly request your patience to read it in full.
A special free screening of Vivek Agnihotri Ji’s film The Bengal Files was successfully hosted yesterday (19/Sep/2025) by Aarsha Vidya Samajam at PVR, Lulu Mall, Trivandrum.
In a distinguished gathering attended by eminent personalities—including former Mizoram Governor Kumaran Rajasekharan Ji, former BJP State President K. Raman Pillai Ji, Bharatiya Vichara Kendra Director R. Sanjayan Ji, former Kerala DGP T.P. Senkumar Ji, former Kerala Jail DGP R. Sreelekha Ji, renowned doctor Sethunath Ji, prominent CA Ranjith Kartikeyan Ji, VHP Kerala State President Viji Thampi Ji, Bharatiya Vichara Kendra State Secretary S. Rajan Pillai Ji, Vijayakrishnan Ji, Jayakumar (Bhavachitra), Anil Nambiar Ji (Janam TV), Durgadas Shishupalan Ji, and several other organizational leaders—we, the AVS team, watched the film seated in a fully packed cinema hall, making the event truly remarkable.
Everyone expressed a sense of wonder, pain, and a Dharmic Rosh (indignation) at how this film—showcasing exceptional excellence in script, dialogue, direction, acting, and technical finesse—was overlooked and ignored. Heartfelt love and regards to the entire team behind The Bengal Files, especially Vivek Agnihotri Ji, for overcoming numerous challenges and delivering this remarkable work!
Questions Raised by the Film:
No viewer with a conscience can watch this film without tears in their eyes. It ends by posing powerful questions that continue to burn in the hearts of the audience.
1. When will India witness a truly secular golden era, where every citizen is regarded as a ‘Bharatiya,’ without being labeled Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Sikh?
2. Pakistan was created to resolve the Hindu-Muslim issue. Yet, even after Partition, why does the Hindu-Muslim problem still not end??
3. Should the minority be forced to convert, be killed, or flee when others become the majority?
The Mappila riots in Malabar, the Direct Action Day of 1946, the massacres at Noakhali and Tippera, the genocides in Pakistan and Bangladesh, the 1980–1990s slogans in Kashmir – ‘Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv’ (convert to Islam, die, or flee) and terrorism and the ongoing extremist activities in Bengal are just a few examples of such atrocities.
4. Why are Kashmiri Pandits still unable to return to their native land? Why do organizations that express concern and stage protests for refugees worldwide remain silent when it comes to the plight of millions of Bharatiyas?
5. Even after a separate country was created in the name of religion, why should certain people be granted special privileges that the majority itself does not enjoy?
6. When a particular community reaches 10%, they claim unlimited minority rights; at 20%, special status; at 30%, a separate country! Are such demands justified? Should the nation continue to allow all this?
7. Does being in the minority give someone a license to do anything they like? Do they have the right to kill others? Are they entitled to organize acts of treason? How long must we continue to tolerate this out of fear that ‘some people will get provoked, riots may happen’?
8. When we recognize that Bengal is once again heading toward the conditions of 1946, both before and after Partition, what should we do?
9. What is the true meaning of freedom, equality, democracy, secularism, national consciousness, and unified India?
10. When will our people truly have the Right to Truth, the Right to Justice, and the Right to Live—with dignity and peace?
11. Why has the generation of bravehearts—who fought and died for values, enduring immeasurable sacrifices—become so weak today, and some to remain silent without any response?
12. Finally, who are those hiding the real truths, historical realities, and contemporary threats from our people?
The Bengal Files: Theme - A Brief Introduction
We all know that the Partition of India in 1947 was a great tragedy, with nearly 20 million people displaced and about 2 million killed. The aftermath of the Partition witnessed the largest refugee exodus in human history.
It was the Direct Action Day riots of August 16, 1946 also known as the Calcutta Killings followed by the genocide in the districts of Noakhali and Tipperah aimed at wiping out the Hindu population there, that pushed the national leaders to agree to the Partition of India. The massacres in Calcutta, Noakhali, and Tipperah claimed tens of thousands of lives, rendered nearly one hundred thousand homeless, and affected around two million people. Therefore, we must study these riots as they were themselves a direct cause of the catastrophe of Partition.
Those who fail to properly understand ideologies, who do not learn lessons from history, and who ignore present dangers believing that nothing will happen to them, these are the people referred to as being afflicted by Pramaadam. History reminds us that such people are always the first victims of misfortune.
East Bengal – Kashmir –
West Bengal, Kerala, stay alert!
The Battle of Badr took place on the 17th day of Ramzan. By describing it as “the battle fought by Muslims against the Kafirs,” the Muslim League deliberately chose that very day, August 16, 1946, as “Direct Action Day” with a clear intent!
Many had forgotten the fact that exactly 25 years before this, the Mappila rebellion began in Malabar, on August 20, 1921 on the same date.
The Hindus of Malabar endured great suffering then, because they failed to understand the Islamic ideology, the history of the Battle of Badr, the call of Ghazwa-e-Hind, Islamic history, and the broader strategies of religious fundamentalists.
Those in Bengal, Lahore, and the northwestern provinces who failed to learn the lessons of 1921 and did not recognize the aims of the Mappila rebellions endured immense suffering and the horrors of Partition.
The brutalities that took place in the regions that became Pakistan and Bangladesh, both before and after Partition, are atrocities that horrify the conscience.
After Independence, they captured Pakistan Occupied Kashmir through the same ruthless methods. The events in Kashmir during the 1980s and ’90s followed the same processes: “Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv” — meaning convert to Islam, die, or flee.
With the aim of driving out non-Muslims and fully taking over Kashmir, they adopted the same strategy. Even today, lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits have not been able to return to their homeland.
Today, Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators, along with extremists, are attempting to take control of West Bengal. The same processes are unfolding in regions like Assam and Kerala. If these are not understood, our generation too will face disaster.
Why should we watch this film? Why should we promote it?:
This film creatively presents historical realities. It tells the story of the unimaginable sufferings endured by our previous generations, as well as the courageous acts of resistance. For example, it depicts the defiance of Gopal Chandra Mukhopadhyay, also known as Gopal Patha. At that time, Jinnah had devised a secret plan to take full control of Bengal, capture Calcutta as the capital, and create a corridor linking East and West Pakistan. It was the brave and resolute resistance of people like Gopal Patha that thwarted this plan.
This film helps us to learn from history and confront today’s challenges. It reminds us of the dangers of appeasement politics and highlights the necessity of organizing for peace and security. To prevent a repetition of Partition’s history, unwavering vigilance from patriots is essential! Watching and promoting this film is the Dharmic duty of each one of us.
Contemporary Crisis
Today, some are deliberately attempting to suppress any discussion of The Bengal Files. This film, which highlights Bengal’s greatness and its rich heritage of cultural, freedom, and renaissance movements, being banned in Bengal can only be described as hard luck for our people. It faithfully depicts Bengal’s history and its pressing contemporary issues. That certain individuals have decided the public should remain unaware of these harsh truths is deeply troubling. Those in power repeatedly forget a fundamental fact: a people ignorant of ideology, history, and current realities have no future.
The film’s theme may unsettle some people. They are the ones trying to dismiss it without even making it a controversy. This is clearly visible.
But what about proud patriots?!
Some haven’t even heard of this film, and those who have do not know what it is about. Others complain about its length.
Yes, it runs for 3 hours and 20 minutes. The same who spend their time, money, and energy on meaningless rituals, events, or trips found sitting through this historical film in an AC theater — a film that reveals the sufferings of our forebears, the dangers we face today, and the potential disasters awaiting future generations, burdensome. Alas!
It is astonishing that films of such national importance expertly directed with advanced technical production, serving the cause of the nation pass by without even sparking a discussion. This is truly unfortunate.
It is astonishing that films of such national importance expertly directed with advanced technical production, serving the cause of the nation pass by without even sparking a discussion. This is truly unfortunate.
When some brave individuals take enormous risks and invest huge sums of money and take initiative, shouldn’t we at least be ready to encourage them?
Remember, if these ventures, created with crores of rupees and immense effort, fail, no one will step into this field again.
We need to pay close attention to promoting ideas through arts. Kerala set a proper example with films like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Chhava. However, our society must also reflect on whether it is ready to promote films equally relevant to Kerala’s context and history such as Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare, which depicts the Mappila Rebellion, Razakar – The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad, which throws light on the Hyderabad massacres, Bastar: The Naxal Story, which portrays the Maoist threat in Bastar; Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which shows the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who is still facing continuing controversies; and Article 370, which highlights the problems in Kashmir.
We need to pay close attention to promoting ideas through arts. Kerala set a proper example with films like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Chhava. However, our society must also reflect on whether it is ready to promote films equally relevant to Kerala’s context and history such as Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare, which depicts the Mappila Rebellion, Razakar – The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad, which throws light on the Hyderabad massacres, Bastar: The Naxal Story, which portrays the Maoist threat in Bastar; Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which shows the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who is still facing continuing controversies; and Article 370, which highlights the problems in Kashmir.
Appeal to Organizations:
It is regrettable that leaders and organizations do not step forward to effectively organize such creative presentations. We know that organizations have the human resources, organizational strength, influence, and funding necessary for this.
It could be because they take on multiple activities, few recognize how influential cultural fields especially art, literature, and cinema can be on the public. In Kerala, it was through the theatrical group KPAC that communist ideas reached the general population. Even religious fundamentalists, who consider art including cinema “Haram,” still manage to propagate their ideas through creative mediums. They too know that a well-crafted film can be more powerful than a hundred speeches! Imagine if nationalist forces had made similar efforts to widely organize films like Razakar, Article 370, Bastar, and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar during election time — the outcome would have been entirely different. This is the truth.
We earnestly request that a special screening be organized so that all political activists and their families can watch this film.
We appeal to Vivek Agnihotri ji to have this film dubbed in all languages. This is a story that every Indian must know.
About the special screening organized by Aarsha Vidya Samajam
This free screening was organized in just two days, yet the response was remarkable. Still, because many seats were reserved for prominent individuals, registration had to be closed, and some people could not attend.
This event proves that when someone takes the initiative, anything is possible. When a few brave individuals step forward, society’s conscience responds — especially when the public is facing extreme oppression with no one to turn to!
This event had another remarkable aspect.
Those who had once been brainwashed by the dangerous ideologies highlighted in this film, and who were later guided back through Aarsha Vidya Samajam’s Sudarshanam de-radicalization program, worked tirelessly day and night to ensure the success of this event.
They dedicated themselves as full-timers of AVS, striving to prevent others from experiencing the suffering they and their families endured. Though ignorance, misconceptions, and indoctrination had led them astray, these courageous women did true Prayaschitha through their selfless dedication.
Sruthi, Santhi, Vishali, Athira, Gayathri, Anagha, Anusha, Amritha, Ashwathi, Sreedevi, Sreelakshmi, Krishnapriya, Sabna, Shwetha, Dinisha, Nandana, Yashaswini, and others, along with the Adhyapaks and Vidyarthis of Aarsha Vidya Samajam made the event a resounding success. Heartfelt congratulations to each of them!
There is more good news. The film’s screening had been stopped in theaters across Kerala. We are delighted to share that, giving hope to the efforts of patriots, the screening at PVR has been extended for another week.
This development in Kerala has been shared with the world by Vivek Agnihotri ji himself through his Twitter account.
Heartfelt thanks to all the well-wishers who lent a hand to make this initiative a success, as well as to the PVR team and the Aarsha Vidya Samajam (AVS).
What we all need to do
1. Those in Thiruvananthapuram, please inform your acquaintances, relatives, and friends about the PVR screening. Encourage maximum participation in the film.
2. For those in other locations: Contact theaters in your area and request that the film be screened. Along with this, organize efforts to ensure strong audience attendance at the shows.
3. Post photos, news, and opinions on social media.
4. If possible, share your views and share reviews from prominent personalities on YouTube.
Come together to find a complete root-cause solution!
This should not be limited to merely a gathering to watch a film. I’m leting you know that Aarsha Vidya Samajam will take the initiative in any effort undertaken for the nation’s welfare.
Bharatheeya Problem-Solving strategy
Sanatana Dharma teaches that alongside identifying problems, solutions are also necessary. The Indian Problem-Solving strategy has four components.
1. Identify the problem – Understand the threats and future implications accurately.
2. Determine its causes – Identify both external and internal factors.
3. Develop a comprehensive problem-solving plan that addresses both the problems and their causes.
4. Execute the problem-solving plan efficiently, combining Iccha Shakti (willpower), Jnana Shakti (knowledge), and Kriya Shakti (action), with the attitude of Karma Yoga.
Some are aware of the problems, but…!
Many who read this are aware of the tragedies we have experienced in history and the threats we face today. However, where many of us falter is in identifying the causes, finding solutions, and implementing. This must be corrected.
Some questions we must ask ourselves, and the answers we need to find:
First question:
The extreme atrocities here were committed by our own brothers — heirs to the same heritage. How did they become our enemies? What is the reason behind it?
The simple answer is that they followed dangerous and false ideologies, believing them to be correct. This is what continues to inspire extremists to commit such horrific atrocities even today. Among these are the barbaric Semitic religious ideologies.
Through numerous projects, they are still actively trying to recruit our children and brothers and sisters into these ideologies. Their goal is Gazwa-e-Hind — to capture all of India by 2047.
Second question:
Why were our people and the national leaders of the time unable to recognize these threats and defend effectively?
The answer is that they were influenced by weak ideas — ignorance, Pramaadam, spiritual or philosophical indigestion, ideological corruption or pollution, superstitions and blind beliefs, Anacharas, Duracharas, and Atyacharas (Sadguna Vaikrutham), regressive traditionalism etc.
Third question:
Why do pseudo-secular, anti-national political parties, and even the public, keep repeating past mistakes?
The reason is the failure to studyand understand ideologies, accurate history, and contemporary threats.
In short, they continue to commit these foolish, self-destructive actions, believing them to be right. Due to ignorance and Pramaadam, many fail to even recognize the need to promote such films.
Therefore, the conclusion we arrive at is this:
It is ideologies that make a person or a community good or bad.
Therefore, recognizing these external and internal causes is crucial. The real villains are the ideologies and ways of thinking that are dangerous to individuals and society, and that mislead humanity in harmful ways.
Aarsha Vidya Samajam’s Sudarshanam Global Service Mission!
Aarsha Vidya Samajam’s “Sudarshanam Vishwaseva Project,” also known as the “Sudarshanam Global Service Mission” (SGSM) project, is a campaign against all ideologies and brainwashing tactics that threaten global peace and well-being.
Sudarshanam is the right vision and a scientific way of thinking. It is also a tool for the protection of Dharma and society.
By collaborating with various organizations and well-wishers engaged in service activities, let us march forward with a new initiative. Even once a month, or if possible once a week, we can come together through Satsangs. We earnestly request everyone to participate in the events organized for this purpose.
With Love and Regards,
Aacharya KR Manoj