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Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has often stirred conversations with his socially charged and politically themed films. Recently, he returned to the spotlight with The Bengal Files, a film he claimed would uncover the truth about a “genocide: in Bengal. However, despite its ambition, the film struggled to make a mark at the box office. The celebrated filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri turns 52 today. On this special occasion, here’s a look at Agnihotri’s notable works that have explored controversial and thought-provoking issues. The Bengal Files (2024): The latest entry in Agnihotri’s Files trilogy, The Bengal Files delves into the political and social fabric of West Bengal. The film aimed to portray the state’s untold truths and history but faced several release hurdles and ultimately underperformed commercially. The Vaccine War (2023): Based on the development of Covaxin during the COVID-19 pandemic, this film celebrates the efforts of Indian scientists. Featuring Nana Patekar, Pallavi Joshi, Raima Sen, Girja Oak Godbole, and Anupam Kher, it highlights the spirit of scientific innovation during a global crisis. The Kashmir Files (2022): One of the most polarising Indian films in recent times, The Kashmir Files revisits the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. Starring Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar, the film sparked national debate and became a major commercial hit despite its sensitive subject matter. The Tashkent Files (2019): This political thriller investigates the mysterious death of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Tripathi, and Shweta Prasad Basu, it raised compelling questions about one of India’s most debated historical events. Agnihotri also authored the book Who Killed Shastri? based on the same theme. Zid (2014): A crime-thriller starring Mannara Chopra in her Bollywood debut, Zid combines romance with murder mystery. Though it received mixed reviews, its music garnered attention and established Agnihotri’s flair for stylised storytelling. Hate Story (2012): An erotic thriller featuring Paoli Dam and Gulshan Devaiah, Hate Story became a surprise box office success despite its modest budget. It was lauded for its bold narrative and strong performances, spawning several sequels in the franchise. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007): A sports drama starring John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, and Bipasha Basu, the film revolves around a struggling football club in London. It performed moderately well and showcased Agnihotri’s ability to handle emotionally driven stories.
