The Bengal Files takes its time, clocking in at a commanding 3 hours and 20 minutes, uncommon in an era where films rarely exceed three hours. Yet, given its subject, a deeply sensitive historical event, the runtime, while indulgent, can be overlooked.
<h4 dir="ltr">Plot &amp; Execution</h4>
The narrative revisits the horrors of 1946&rsquo;s Direct Action Day in Kolkata, unfolding through the lives of Shiv Pandit (Darshan Kumaar), who lost everything in those riots, and Bharati Banerjee (Pallavi Joshi), tormented by the Kashmiri Pandit exodus decades later. Their present-day worlds collide when a girl goes missing, making a politically prominent figure a suspect.
The first half is heavily focused on the riots raw and graphic, starkly shot, and deeply unsettling. However, the extended sequences can feel overindulgent, with the editing failing to trim the excess. The result is a drag before the intermission; though emotionally immersive, it's not always tight.
The second half picks up pace, though it leans heavily on long monologues rather than realistic dialogue, particularly noticeable in a scene where a simple question turns into a political speech. The film presses hard on the central theme of communal divisions and Hindu-Muslim friction, but offers few satisfying answers. Its conclusion aims to provide closure while challenging the audience to reflect on art as a mirror to society rather than an escape.
<h4 dir="ltr">Performances</h4>
The acting is the film&rsquo;s anchor. Pallavi Joshi delivers a consistently intense performance that never misses a beat. Darshan Kumaar carries gravity as a tormented Shiv, and Simrat Kaur, as young Bharati, shines in a substantial role. Saswata Chatterjee brings menace to his portrayal of MLA Sardar Husseini. Yet, some scenes suffer from exaggerated performances that detract from the overall gravity.
<h4 dir="ltr">Verdict</h4>
The Bengal Files isn&rsquo;t just a film; it&rsquo;s a statement. Its raw portrayal of trauma and historical memory carries weight, but the indulgent length and a sometimes heavy-handed execution make it an exhausting watch. The film prevails on the strength of its performances, Joshi and Kumaar lifting it where the narrative drags.
<h3 dir="ltr">First Day Box Office Review</h3>
The film opened on September 5, and despite strong advance buzz, it had a sluggish box office start:
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Earned an estimated ₹1.75 crore on opening day.<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/the-bengal-files-box-office-collection-day-1-vivek-agnihotris-film-opens-with-rs-1-75-crore-struggles-against-tiger-shroffs-baaghi-4/articleshow/123728520.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Bookings were modest around ₹28 lakh gross, rising to ₹61.79 lakh including blocked seats. It wasn&rsquo;t screened in West Bengal due to alleged political pressure. Comparatively, Baaghi 4 dominated with a ₹12 crore opening.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Despite outperforming Agnihotri&rsquo;s The Kashmir Files in pre-sales, the actual opening fell short, raising concerns about the film&rsquo;s reach.
</li>
</ul>

A powerful yet indulgent historical drama anchored by Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar

The Bengal Files Captivates Yet Drags On Runtime

A powerful yet indulgent historical drama anchored by Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar

September 6, 2025 | 20:39 IST