Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files released in cinemas on Friday but could not make a strong start. The film earned only Rs 1.75 crore (India net) on its opening day, as per early estimates by Sacnilk. Its absence from theatres in West Bengal also affected collections and reduced its reach.
The Bengal Files Box Office Collection Day 1: Almost Half Of The Kashmir Files
The film’s start looks even weaker when compared to Agnihotri’s earlier success The Kashmir Files (2022). That movie had opened with Rs 3.55 crore and went on to become a massive hit. In contrast, The Bengal Files has collected only about 30% of that figure, raising doubts about whether it can sustain in the long run.
Viewers are divided in their reactions. Some praised it as a “hard-hitting cinematic experience” that highlights the horrors of Direct Action Day. Others criticised it as propaganda, showing once again the polarised response that often surrounds Agnihotri’s films.
The film’s occupancy varied from city to city. Chennai recorded the highest response with 57.5% overall and 73 per cent during evening shows, though it had just 10 screenings. Bengaluru managed 37.3%, peaking at 50% in the evening. Lucknow saw 28%, while Hyderabad stood at 22%.
In bigger markets, the picture was weaker. Mumbai reported 18.3 per cent occupancy, while the National Capital Region (NCR) saw 21 per cent, despite both regions hosting more than 200 shows each.
Controversy Around The Film’s Release
The release faced hurdles in West Bengal, where the film could not secure screens. Agnihotri claimed that exhibitors were pressured not to show the movie. Producer Pallavi Joshi also wrote an open letter to the President of India, calling it an “unofficial ban” and questioning why the film was blocked from theatres.
While these controversies have kept the film in the news, it remains to be seen if they will actually help boost collections. The weekend performance will depend heavily on word of mouth.
The film features a large cast, including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, and Pallavi Joshi in leading roles. Darshan Kumar and Simrat Kaur also play key parts, with Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sourav Das, and Mohan Kapur in supporting roles.
Despite the strong lineup, the film’s numbers show that even well-known actors may not be enough to drive success unless audiences connect with the story.
The coming weekend will decide the film’s future. If audience feedback turns positive, The Bengal Files may see a rise in collections. But for now, its opening of Rs 1.75 crore shows a slow start, far behind the benchmark set by The Kashmir Files.
