Saswata Chatterjee: Not My Job to Verify History, I'm an Actor

Actor Saswata Chatterjee Shares Thoughts on Film Title Change and Controversy

Actor Saswata Chatterjee recently shared his perspective on the title change of the film "The Bengal Files" from its original name, "The Delhi Files." In an interview, he expressed that he was unaware of the reason behind the shift. He emphasized that as an actor, it is not his responsibility to assess the political implications of the story.

Chatterjee also highlighted a growing trend among directors who do not provide a complete narrative of the story. Instead, they focus on individual characters, which can sometimes lead to fragmented storytelling. When asked about concerns regarding the film's potential release in West Bengal, he responded with uncertainty. He mentioned that the current trend is for actors to only understand their own character's storyline without knowing the full context of the film.

During the filming process, the movie was known as "Delhi Files," but after production wrapped, Chatterjee learned that the title had been changed to "Bengal Files." He admitted that this decision was beyond his control and that he would not know the reasoning until he saw the final product. "I will not understand why it happened till I watch the film. And even if anyone thinks that...making a noise will not help," he explained.

Chatterjee also clarified that he is not a historian and does not have the authority to comment on whether the film misrepresents historical events. "I am just an actor. I liked a character and I played it. I am not a historian to think about what history says and this is distorting history. It's not my job," he said. He suggested that those responsible for historical accuracy should take legal action if they feel the film is inappropriate.

Controversy Surrounding Portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee

The controversy surrounding "The Bengal Files" has centered on the portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, a prominent Bengali freedom fighter. His grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee, filed a complaint against director Vivek Agnihotri, claiming that the film distorts historical facts. The trailer introduced Gopal Mukherjee as "Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha," which Shantanu found offensive.

Shantanu pointed out that his grandfather was referred to as "Kashai" (meaning the butcher) and "Patha" (meaning goat), terms he considers disrespectful. He criticized Agnihotri for not conducting proper research and for not contacting the family before making these portrayals. "How can anyone say he is Kashai or Patha?" he questioned, emphasizing his grandfather's contributions to the freedom movement.

In response to the complaints, Shantanu sent a legal notice to Agnihotri, demanding an apology for the alleged distortion of his grandfather's character. This led to further tensions, especially when the trailer launch event in Kolkata was reportedly canceled under "political pressure."

The Trailer Launch and Legal Challenges

The trailer launch event was initially planned for Kolkata but faced significant obstacles. It was later moved to a hotel and finally unveiled at 1 p.m. on Saturday. In a video message, Agnihotri expressed frustration over the situation, stating that all the wires were cut and questioning who gave such instructions. He described the circumstances as indicative of a dictatorship and fascism, citing the presence of numerous police officers.

A number of FIRs have already been filed against the film's team, adding to the legal challenges they face. Despite these issues, the film continues to move forward, with plans for a grand theatrical release on September 2025.

Cast and Anticipation for the Film

"The Bengal Files" features a stellar cast, including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Mohan Kapur, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pallavi Joshi, Saswata Chatterjee, and Puneet Issar in key roles. The film has generated considerable anticipation, despite the controversies surrounding its portrayal of historical figures.

As the release date approaches, the film's creators and cast continue to navigate the complex landscape of public perception and legal challenges. The debate over historical accuracy and the impact of media representation remains a central topic of discussion.