Vivek Agnihotri’s film, The Bengal Files, has finally hit theaters, but its opening performance has been underwhelming. The film generated significant buzz even before its release. The filmmakers faced challenges during the trailer launch, yet the film has now been released in cinemas. First-day box office numbers have been released.
Despite controversies surrounding its release, the film earned ₹1.75 crore (total India collection) on its opening day, according to Sacnilk. The film’s premiere was further hindered by its failure to be released in West Bengal cinemas, following The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files.
Initial figures for The Bengal Files are considerably lower compared to the director’s previous blockbuster films. The Kashmir Files, released in 2022, earned ₹3.55 crore on its first day and became one of the most talked-about hits in recent years. The Bengal Files, with its ₹1.75 crore opening, managed to achieve only about 30% of that figure.
The film has sparked ongoing debate among the public. On the social media platform X, several users described the film as a harsh cinematic experience, highlighting the horrors of Direct Action Day. However, others dismissed it as propaganda, intensifying the debate surrounding Agnihotri’s filmmaking style. Word-of-mouth publicity will play a crucial role in determining whether the film’s popularity will increase in the coming days.
