The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday sought to know whether the state administration has imposed any restrictions on the screening of director Vivek Agnihotri’s film The Bengal Files in cinema halls across West Bengal. A division bench of Justice Sujoy Pal and Justice Smita Das De directed the state government to clarify its stand by Friday.
The order came in response to a petition filed by Sayan Kansabanik, who alleged that despite receiving clearance from the Censor Board and being released nationwide on September 5, the film’s screening in West Bengal had been stopped “for unknown reasons.”
According to the petitioner, when the producers and director approached the state government, they were informed that no official restriction had been imposed. However, he claimed that the movie was withdrawn from halls following “threats from unsubstantiated sources.”
During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice Pal asked the state’s counsel, Swapan Banerjee, whether it was true that no cinema hall in Bengal was screening the film. In contrast, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that “a negative atmosphere” had been created across the state regarding the movie.
At this point, Justice Pal remarked, “But, I saw in the media reports that it is being shown in several cinema halls. People are buying tickets and watching. Security arrangements have been made in front of the hall.”
Also Read: HC dismisses 'censorship' plea against Bengal files movie release
The bench then directed the state’s lawyer to verify whether any government notification had been issued on the matter and submit a report by Friday. The case will be heard again on the same day.
Also Read: Agnihotri seeks Mamata’s help for releasing 'The Bengal Files'
Meanwhile, controversy has also surrounded the film’s depiction of Gopal Mukherjee, popularly known as ‘Gopal Patha’. His nephew, Shantanu Mukherjee, had earlier alleged that the portrayal was distorted and filed an RTI seeking clarification. When no response came, he moved the Calcutta High Court, which later dismissed the case.
The Bengal Files deals with the 1946 Great Calcutta Killing, a violent episode in the city’s history just before India’s independence, which Agnihotri has sought to bring alive on the silver screen.
Also Read: The Bengal Files secures first Kolkata screening after setbacks
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