Mumbai, May 5: Film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has expressed his reaction to the Trinamool Congress’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. He congratulated the people of Bengal, stating that they can now walk with their heads held high, free from fear. During his remarks, he recalled the obstacles faced by his film ‘The Bengal Files’ due to the Mamata Banerjee government, expressing his frustration.
Posting a video on the social media platform X, he wrote, “Never again.” Agnihotri mentioned that after the release of ‘The Kashmir Files’, Mamata Banerjee had banned him from Bengal. The film was removed from theaters, and he was denied entry into the state. A complete ban was also imposed on ‘The Bengal Files’. The trailer launch was halted, he faced attacks, and numerous FIRs were filed against him.
He noted that he was unable to collect his award from the governor. Despite these challenges, he did not give up. During the election period, he discreetly promoted ‘The Bengal Files’ across Bengal. Agnihotri stated, “I am glad we did not give up and fought in our small way, and finally… this is a tremendous victory. Congratulations to the great people of Bengal. Now you can walk with your heads held high without fear.”
In the video, Agnihotri addressed Mamata Banerjee directly, saying, “This video is for you. Our film ‘The Bengal Files’ was released worldwide, but it was banned in Bengal. Theater owners are afraid to show the film due to political pressure.”
He earnestly requested Banerjee to allow the film to be released peacefully. He provided two main reasons. First, Mamata Banerjee took an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect every citizen’s right to free speech. The film has been approved by the CBFC, a constitutional body.
The second reason he gave was that India has endured a history of slavery. Bengal’s history, in particular, is painful. Events like Direct Action Day and the Noakhali Hindu massacre have been forgotten or concealed.
He emphasized that Bengal is the crown of civilization, having produced great personalities like Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, Tagore, and Subhas Chandra Bose. Bengal has suffered partition twice. Agnihotri questioned why the younger generation knows about the Holocaust, slavery, or the Hiroshima-Nagasaki incidents, yet remains unaware of Bengal’s tragic chapters. He asked if speaking the truth about Hindu history and genocide is a crime. He clarified that the film is not against any community, but rather about truth and healing.
He stated that hiding wounds breeds hatred, while revealing them leads to healing. Bengalis in America felt a sense of healing after watching the film. He appealed for the film not to be banned, but to be viewed, understood, and debated. In conclusion, Agnihotri asserted, “If speaking the truth about Hindu history is a crime, then yes, I am guilty. Vande Mataram.”
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