The promotional trailer launch of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film, The Bengal Files, ran into controversy on Saturday after a luxury hotel in Kolkata abruptly halted the event soon after it began, citing no official reason. Agnihotri, known for directing The Kashmir Files, told reporters that hotel authorities informed him the screening could not go ahead, allegedly following instructions from an unspecified “powerful force.”
“Without any reason, the electricity connection to the screening hall was cut off. There is heavy police presence here since morning. We are filmmakers, not criminals. I never imagined facing this situation in the land of Satyajit Ray. If this is not dictatorship or fascism, then what is it?” Agnihotri said from the stage. The launch was originally planned at a multiplex, but Agnihotri claimed political pressure forced organisers to shift it to a five-star hotel. After initial delays on Saturday, the trailer was played briefly before being stopped midway. Producer and actor Pallavi Joshi, who is also Agnihotri’s wife, said: “You can see for yourself what is happening here.” Some local reports suggested the event lacked proper municipal permissions, prompting police to intervene. Agnihotri, however, dismissed that suggestion: “How can such a big event be organised without permission?” Hotel authorities did not respond to Press’ request for comment.