Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has alleged that theatre owners in West Bengal are facing pressure from the state government and police not to screen his upcoming film The Bengal Files. The director claimed that several exhibitors have informed him about receiving threats and warnings, which he described as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and creative work.

Agnihotri, who is known for making politically charged films, stated that his legal team is preparing to take action against what he termed as “unlawful interference” in the distribution of the movie. He said that every filmmaker has the right to showcase their work and audiences have the right to decide whether to watch it.

The controversy comes ahead of the release of The Bengal Files, a film that has already generated discussions due to its subject matter. While Agnihotri did not disclose names of specific theatres or officials, he insisted that the situation reflects a larger issue of intimidation within the creative industry.

Industry analysts note that disputes between filmmakers and state administrations over sensitive films are not new in India. Previous movies dealing with historical or political themes have faced similar hurdles, often sparking debates on censorship, artistic freedom, and political sensitivities.

Despite the allegations, theatre owners and the West Bengal authorities have not officially responded to Agnihotri’s claims. The filmmaker, however, maintained that he is determined to ensure that The Bengal Files gets screened across the country without restrictions