Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty said the film *The Bengal Files* was not allowed to release in West Bengal [1].
The comments highlight a growing tension between political interests and cinematic expression in the region. Chakraborty said the West Bengal government is selectively blocking content based on political motives [3].
Chakraborty compared the situation of *The Bengal Files* to the success of the spy-action film *Dhurandhar 2*, starring Ranveer Singh. He said that while one film faced censorship in Kolkata, the other has seen massive commercial success [1].
"Bengal Files ko release hone nahi diya, Ranveer Singh ke film ko bhi rok lete...", Chakraborty said [1].
He further questioned the labels applied to different cinematic works, asking why *Dhurandhar 2* is viewed as propaganda while *The Bengal Files* was denied a release [2]. The contrast is stark when looking at the financial performance of the latter project. *Dhurandhar 2* has earned a worldwide gross box-office collection of Rs 1,466.47 crore [2].
This financial milestone comes after a run of two weeks at the box office [2]. The actor's remarks underscore a perceived double standard in how the state handles films that may be politically sensitive, or controversial [3].
While some reports suggested *The Bengal Files* might eventually release in West Bengal, other sources maintain the film was not allowed to premiere in the state [1, 2]. Chakraborty's public stance aligns with his role as a political figure, challenging the administration's control over media and entertainment in the region.
“"The Bengal Files was not allowed to release"”
The clash over *The Bengal Files* reflects the broader intersection of cinema and political identity in India. By contrasting the state-level blockade of one film with the commercial triumph of *Dhurandhar 2*, Chakraborty is framing the issue as a matter of political censorship rather than artistic merit. This suggests that cinema in West Bengal remains a primary battleground for ideological conflict between the BJP and the state government.
