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The Bengal Files Posts Rs 6.6 Crore Debut as West Bengal Screens Largely Dark

An opening weekend of about Rs 6.6 crore followed a release largely absent from West Bengal.

Overview

  • The film released nationwide on September 5 but was not booked across West Bengal, with the makers alleging an unofficial ban and the TMC denying any government role as exhibitors cited discretion and prior commitments.
  • The opening weekend totaled roughly Rs 6.6–6.7 crore (Rs 1.75 crore Friday, ~Rs 2.15 crore Saturday, ~Rs 2.7 crore Sunday), far below the 2022 opener The Kashmir Files and facing competition from Baaghi 4 and The Conjuring: Last Rites.
  • Major multiplex chains, including PVR-INOX, did not screen the title in the state, while individual theatre owners pointed to scheduling constraints and refused to comment on pressure claims.
  • Protesters gathered outside at least one West Bengal cinema demanding shows, and producer Pallavi Joshi appealed to President Droupadi Murmu over alleged intimidation and blocked promotions.
  • Relatives of Gopal Mukherjee (Gopal Patha) filed a complaint over his portrayal, reviews and social media reactions remained sharply divided, and director Vivek Agnihotri said he borrowed money for promotions after investing previous earnings into the film.