Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for ‘The Kashmir Files,’ is generating buzz with his new film, ‘The Bengal Files.’ In recent interviews, Agnihotri discussed both his upcoming film and his perspective on his role as a filmmaker, including his self-perception as a representative of the Hindu community. He has explicitly stated that he considers himself to be the voice of Hindus, alongside defining himself as a ‘psychiatrist of cinema.’
‘The Bengal Files’ aims to uncover Bengal’s hidden history. In a conversation, Agnihotri highlighted the importance of the film: “It is very important that I make this film, to make the youth aware, to give them knowledge. Also, the entire community gets a chance to express a generational trauma.”
He elaborated on his approach, using ‘The Kashmir Files’ as an example, and stated, “Acknowledging trauma is the first step towards healing. Through this film, I have worked as a psychiatrist for the entire Indian society.” He then quipped, “I am a filmmaker-psychiatrist.”
When asked if he views himself as the voice of Hindus, Agnihotri responded affirmatively: “Yes, why not? In fact, I think I am the voice of the entire Hindu civilization. I try to do this, and civilization doesn’t mean that everything is great and good. I want to talk about what went wrong in civilization or with civilization.”
Explaining his film choices, Agnihotri said, “People have been raising the issue of different communities and have been their voice. If someone makes films for the LGBT community, then they are their voice… I cannot make films on Islamic or Christian history because I do not know them well enough. My access to Hindu history is greater than any other history. That’s why I make it.”
‘The Bengal Files’, releasing on September 5th, features actors like Mithun Chakraborty and focuses on the ‘untold history’ of Bengal.