Mithun Chakraborty Defends 'The Bengal Files' Against Propaganda Accusations

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, known for his significant presence in director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's "Files" trilogy, is voicing his frustration over the labeling of films that depict historical truths as "propaganda." Chakraborty, who stars in Agnihotri's latest, "The Bengal Files," emphasizes the film's focus on the historical events of 1946 Bengal, particularly the Calcutta riots provoked by the All-India Muslim League's call for ‘Direct Action Day’ in their quest for a separate homeland.

"The Bengal Files" is the third film in Agnihotri's series, following "The Tashkent Files" and "The Kashmir Files." Chakraborty, a frequent collaborator with Agnihotri, laments how segments of society seem determined to critique films like these, negating their attempt to educate viewers on pivotal historical occurrences such as the violence in Noakhali and the events in Calcutta. He told PTI in an interview that the truthfulness of their narratives should be recognized rather than dismissed.

Speaking on the resistance, Chakraborty, formerly a Rajya Sabha MP and BJP politician, shares that his role as a riot victim who acts as the conscience of the story is impactful. The film, he believes, is being unfairly judged even before its trailer has been widely viewed. Agnihotri alleged last-minute changes were necessary for the trailer's launch in Kolkata due to alleged sabotage, while the political opposition from the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, viewing it as politically motivated, has sparked boycott calls.

Defending the film’s content, Chakraborty questions the logic behind the calls for a ban, comparing it to the leniency shown towards films that may include nudity under the guise of cinematic liberty. In contrast, "The Bengal Files" is devoid of such elements, focusing instead on historical accuracy. He praises Agnihotri for his commitment to a truthful narrative, highlighting the director's diligence and accurate documentation.

Addressing other controversies, Chakraborty comments on the debate surrounding "The Kerala Story" winning a National Award, labeling critics as "pseudo-intellectuals." He states that the jury, composed of representatives from across India, including non-Keralan members, deemed it deserving, yet it still faced backlash. Chakraborty draws on his career accomplishments, from winning the National Film Award for Mrinal Sen's "Mrigayaa" to his role in Bollywood hits like "Disco Dancer," to illustrate his credibility and continued openness to diverse roles.

Looking forward, the 75-year-old actor reveals his involvement in upcoming commercial projects such as "Fauji" with Prabhas, which carries a patriotic theme, and "Jailer 2" with Rajinikanth. Chakraborty insists on adaptability in his long-standing career, willing to take on roles that challenge him, moving beyond his early disco dancer persona. "The Bengal Files," also featuring Saswata Chatterjee, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Priyanshu Chatterjee, and Darshan Kumar, is set for a theatrical release on September 5.

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