Director Vivek Agnihotri is gearing up for a high-profile trailer launch of his upcoming political drama The Bengal Files: Right to Life. In a strategic promotional move, the much-anticipated two-minute theatrical trailer will premiere nationwide on August 15, playing in cinemas alongside two of the year’s biggest releases War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and Coolie, featuring Rajinikanth. This Independence weekend rollout is designed to grab maximum attention from audiences across India. The full-length trailer will be officially unveiled at a grand event in Kolkata on August 16.

Formerly titled The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter, the film was renamed to The Bengal Files: Right to Life and marks the third instalment in Agnihotri’s “Files” trilogy after The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). Inspired by real historical events like Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots, the film aims to shed light on what Agnihotri describes as a “Hindu genocide,” highlighting an often overlooked chapter of India’s past. The earlier teaser hinted at themes of communal politics and questioned the true meaning of independence after 80 years.

The decision to host the grand launch in Kolkata holds political significance, as the film has already sparked controversy in West Bengal. Agnihotri has claimed that multiple FIRs were filed against him by the state government, and his trailer debut follows the state’s directive requiring cinema halls to screen Bengali films during prime time. Produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, the film features Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi in pivotal roles. Though set in Bengal, it was filmed in Mumbai due to safety concerns. The Bengal Files: Right to Life is scheduled for theatrical release on September 5, 2025.