Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Bengal Files’ sees modest uptick, earns Rs 2.25 crore on Day 2
Political drama struggles amid controversy and competition, totals Rs 4 Crore in two
MUMBAI – Vivek Agnihotri’s latest film, The Bengal Files, the third installment in his ‘Files’ trilogy, registered a slight increase in box office collections on its second day, earning Rs 2.25 crore on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Despite the uptick, the film’s total collection of Rs 4 crore over two days reflects a lukewarm response, overshadowed by controversies and a box office clash with Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4.
The political drama, which delves into the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots, opened with Rs 1.75 crore on its debut day, September 5. On Saturday, it recorded a Hindi occupancy rate of 29.91%, with evening and night shows peaking at 35.08% and 40.23%, respectively, indicating a gradual audience interest. However, the film faces stiff competition from Baaghi 4, which earned significantly higher, amassing over Rs 21 crore in the same period.
Directed by Agnihotri and featuring a robust ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, and others, The Bengal Files has sparked polarized reactions. While some praise its bold portrayal of historical events, others criticize it as divisive. The film’s release was marred by challenges, particularly in West Bengal, where director Agnihotri alleged that theater owners faced pressure not to screen it, limiting its reach.
With a reported budget of Rs 30–35 crore, the film’s performance remains underwhelming compared to Agnihotri’s 2022 blockbuster The Kashmir Files, which opened at Rs 3.55 crore and grossed over Rs 250 crore. Industry observers suggest that The Bengal Files will rely heavily on positive word-of-mouth to sustain momentum over the weekend. As it competes with major releases like the Malayalam hit Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and Hollywood’s The Conjuring: Last Rites, the film faces an uphill battle to achieve a respectable box office run.
