Vivek Agnihotri’s next film The Bengal Files has already begun creating a stir even before its release. The film has now sparked controversy over its portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, a renowned Bengali fighter who played a pivotal role in stopping the 1946 riots and the atrocities against Hindus. His grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee, has filed a complaint against Agnihotri over what he calls the wrongful portrayal of his grandfather’s identity in the film.

What is the case about?

The trailer of The Bengal Files was unveiled on Saturday, August 16. In the trailer, Gopal Patha is introduced as “Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha”, which Shantanu claims is a misrepresentation of his grandfather. He asserted that his grandfather was never a butcher but a wrestler who played a crucial role in preventing the Muslim League riots in 1946.

Shantanu demands apology

Reportedly, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to the director demanding an apology for the alleged distortion of his grandfather’s character. He stated that the misrepresentation has hurt his family as well as the larger community. Shantanu said, “My grandfather was called Kashai (which means butcher) and also Patha (which means goat), which is disrespectful. I think Vivek Agnihotri should have researched more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He never contacted us either. That’s why we are protesting and will continue to do so. In protest, we have sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and also filed an FIR.”