Image Source: Mathrubhumi English
Vivek Agnihotri’s latest release, The Bengal Files, has failed to capture box office momentum through its opening week and into the second Friday. Despite expectations set by the success of The Kashmir Files, this third entry in Agnihotri’s “Files Trilogy” continues to struggle in the collection race, tallying just Rs 11.39 crore by Day 8 and showing little rebound even as the weekend approaches.
Key Highlights: Struggling Numbers and Tepid Response
The Bengal Files grossed Rs 11.25 crore at the end of its first week, with Day 8 adding only Rs 14 lakh—bringing the total to Rs 11.39 crore.
The film’s debut week saw slow daily growth: Rs 1.75 crore on Friday, Rs 2.25 crore on Saturday, and Rs 2.75 crore on Sunday, but weekday collections plummeted, rarely crossing the Rs 1 crore mark per day.
Occupancy rates lagged at around 17-21 percent in major metros, with fewer shows and limited interest in core markets like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.
Even a Friday release—typically a time for spikes with new audiences—failed to revive the movie’s fortunes.
Competition and Market Dynamics
The Bengal Files found itself crowded out by stronger performing films such as The Conjuring: Last Rites (Rs 67.87 crore after week one), Baaghi 4 (sub-50 crore), and blockbuster releases like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra in regional cinemas.
In Bengal, the film’s primary target region, limited screening numbers further curbed its financial prospects.
While it outperformed Agnihotri’s previous release, The Vaccine War (Rs 10.3 crore), The Bengal Files remains far behind The Kashmir Files, which made Rs 252 crore domestically.
Cast, Theme, and Audience Connect
Boasting an ensemble cast of Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar, the film attempts to address sensitive historical episodes from Bengal’s past, closing Agnihotri’s trilogy on hidden narratives.
Critically, the film is noted for mixed reviews, with themes and storytelling seeming less resonant than earlier works.
The director himself admitted in interviews that The Bengal Files was always meant for streaming platforms and that theatrical results weren’t the primary goal—though financial pressures remain high.
Budget Perspective and Box Office Challenge
The Bengal Files reportedly carries a budget near Rs 50 crore, with earnings far below break-even, putting pressure on the financials and future distribution.
Agnihotri revealed that profits from The Kashmir Files were reinvested, alongside borrowed funds, raising personal stakes in the movie’s commercial outcome.
Path Forward: Can the Weekend Salvage the Run?
As new releases like Mirai, Heer Express, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle enter theatres, The Bengal Files faces competition for screens and audiences.
Word of mouth remains its only lifeline for improved occupancy and revenue, with little hope for a dramatic turnaround evident so far.
Conclusion
The Bengal Files continues its lackluster box office performance, stuck below Rs 12 crore after eight days despite initial hype and aggressive marketing. With tepid audience response, tight competition, and limited theatrical support, the film is shaping up to be another commercial disappointment in Vivek Agnihotri’s recent filmography.
Sources: Times of India, Indian Express, Pinkvilla, MensXP, Mathrubhum
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