Today, On 8th September, The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a plea filed by the grandson of Gopal Patha seeking to stay the release of The Bengal Files movie. The court refused to interfere, clearing the way for its release.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a petition on Monday filed by Shantanu Mukherjee, the grandson of Gopal Mukherjee, commonly known as Gopal Patha, regarding the release of the film The Bengal Files.
Justice Amrita Sinha stated that the writ petition was based on the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) failure to respond to his Right to Information (RTI) request, which sought details about how the board evaluated the portrayal of historical figures in the film.
The Court ruled that the writ petition was not maintainable.
The Court declared,
“It is hereby dismissed,”
Shantanu Mukherjee contended that the film misrepresents his grandfather, using derogatory terms like “patha” (goat) and “kasai” (butcher) to describe him.
He argued that such portrayals tarnish the legacy of Gopal Patha, who was instrumental in safeguarding Hindu neighborhoods in central Kolkata during the communal riots that erupted after Direct Action Day in 1946.
In his court submission, Mukherjee noted that he had previously sent a legal notice to the filmmaker, lodged multiple FIRs, and sought information from the CBFC through an RTI application, but claimed he received no reply.
His petition requested the removal or alteration of scenes he believed defamed his grandfather, as well as a halt to the film’s release in West Bengal.
It also called for an independent investigation into the CBFC’s role, highlighting that the director, Agnihotri, is a board member and should recuse himself from decisions related to the film.
Earlier, Adding to the controversy, actor-producer Pallavi Joshi, who also stars in the film, wrote an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu. In the letter, she alleged that theatre owners in West Bengal were being threatened and intimidated by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers to prevent the screening of The Bengal Files.
Also Read: “Will Go To Supreme Court”: Amit Jani After Delhi HC Blocks Udaipur Files
The controversy intensified after the film’s trailer launch in Kolkata was disrupted on August 17. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused Agnihotri of attempting to polarize society through a “propaganda film” aimed at serving the BJP’s political agenda.
On the other hand, Agnihotri took to social media urging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to allow a smooth release of his film, alleging that theatre owners were facing political pressure
Case Title: Santanu Mukherjee v. Union of India & Ors.
Case No.: WPA/20884/2025