The Bengal Files OTT Release EXCLUSIVE- Vivek Agnihotri On West Bengal Govt Banning Film: It Was Very Sad For

The Bengal Files OTT release: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri doesn't shy away from making films based on nationalism, and he has no qualms about discussing how his projects often get embroiled in controversy. The director created ripples with The Bengal Files, stirring controversy before the release. The political drama received flak from the critics for incoherent writing, a weak screenplay, and being a 'propaganda film'; however, Agnihotri is unpertubed by the accusations.

Vivek Agnihotri, in an exclusive interview with Filmibeat Chief Copy Editor Abhishek Ranjit, spoke about the digital release of The Bengal Files and the controversy surrounding it. Why is criticism important for the filmmaker? The Kashmir Files shared his insights on the topics he selects for his films as he bared his heart out about the OTT release of The Bengal Files on ZEE5.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

Q- Your films often generate strong reactions. How do you approach criticism, debate, or controversy around the subjects you choose to explore?

Yes, there is criticism for everyone, whether it's Buddha, Ram, or even Newton. So, I actually believe criticism is important; it keeps you grounded. And since I choose to make politically charged films on controversial subjects, I'm fully aware of what I'm signing up for. What does affect me sometimes is when people criticise the film without watching it, that feels unfair. But beyond that, I genuinely don't care. Any real, constructive criticism about the film is something I take very seriously, and I make the necessary changes when required."

The Bengal Files faced challenges with theatrical release in a few states. Now that the film is streaming on ZEE5, making it accessible to audiences everywhere, how does it feel to see the film find a wider, unrestricted viewership-especially those discovering it digitally for the first time?

It was very sad for me as a filmmaker that in a democracy, a film titled The Bengal Files was banned in Bengal. As of a result of the ban, people began pirating it and watching it on their digital devices, something no filmmaker ever wants to see. The good news is that everyone has been asking when it will be released on OTT, and now it will finally be released on ZEE5 on November 21. I'm glad that audiences across the world will be able to watch it, learn about this history, and ensure that in a free India, no one ever participates in communal violence again.

The Bengal Files is exclusively available for streaming on ZEE5. Viewers can download the full film in HD format for offline viewing on the OTT platform.