Film Review: The Bengal Files

Banner: Abhishek Agarwal Arts LLP & I Am Buddha Entertainment

Genre: Historical Thriller (A)

Story & Screenplay

The Bengal Files explores a chilling chapter of pre-Independence Calcutta (1946) during the Direct Action Day, when thousands of innocent Hindus were brutally massacred. The film follows CBI officer Shiva Pandit (Darshan Kumar), who is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a Dalit girl, Gita Mandal. As the investigation unfolds, Shiva discovers that the case is tied to the horrific genocide of 1946, interlinking past atrocities with contemporary events.

The story, crafted by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, is impressively researched but feels scattered. By covering two timelines 1946-47 and decades later the narrative struggles to maintain coherence, diluting the emotional impact of the historical horrors. While chilling sequences depict the brutality effectively, they shock more than they move the audience. The screenplay attempts to pack in too many details, leading to occasional long-winded exposition. Dialogues are strong at points but inconsistent in impact.

Performances

• Darshan Kumar delivers a fine performance as Shiva Pandit, grounding the investigative angle.

• Pallavi Joshi is extraordinary as the centenarian Bharati Banerjee, especially in the final sequences.

• Simrat Kaur shines as young Bharati Banerjee.

• Saswata Chatterjee excels as Sardar Husseini.

• Mithun Chakraborty, portraying a mute character, performs effectively, though his impact is limited by the inaudibility of dialogues.

• Anupam Kher is competent as Mahatma Gandhi.

• Puneet Issar, Rajesh Khera, Madalsa Sharma Chakraborty, and other supporting actors contribute well, though some roles are underutilized.

Direction & Technical Aspects

• Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s direction is technically sound, but the fragmented timeline and long runtime hinder consistent engagement.

• Cinematography by Attar Singh Saini is excellent.

• Background music by Rohit Sharma is impactful, complementing the dramatic tone.

• Action and stunt choreography by Paramjeet Singh Dhillon is realistic and well-executed.

• Production design and art direction (Rajat Poddar, Alankar Yashawant, Minakshi Shinde, Chanchal Bisht) convincingly depict the contemporary settings, though the period sequences could have been stronger.

• Editing by Shankh Rajadhyaksha could have been sharper to maintain narrative tension.

Final Verdict

The Bengal Files is a well-researched historical thriller that tackles a sensitive and horrifying chapter of Indian history. While the subject matter is compelling, the film’s scattered narrative, long-winded exposition, and uneven emotional impact limit its appeal. Despite strong performances and technical finesse, its box-office potential appears limited.