Jadavpur University’s Proposed ‘The Bengal Files’ Screening Sparks Campus Row; Administration Yet to Decide

A proposed screening of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Bengal Files’ at Jadavpur University on August 16 has triggered a fresh controversy on the campus, with left-leaning student organisations opposing the event while the university administration maintains that no final decision has been taken.

The Nationalist Students' Front (NSF), which is organising the proposed screening, said on Thursday that it had obtained permission from the university administration to screen the film at the Triguna Sen Auditorium on Sunday.

However, a university official said the administration was yet to take a decision on the matter.

NSF claims permission for screening

NSF spokesperson Somsurya Banerjee said the university's Film Studies department had indicated that the film could be screened and that the student organisation subsequently received permission from the administration.

“I think it is for the right of students to think, question and decide for themselves,” Banerjee said.

The university authorities have not publicly confirmed the organisation's claim. An official said the administration had received the NSF's request but had not yet taken a final call.

The proposed screening has therefore become a point of contention ahead of the August 16 event.

Left student groups oppose screening

The Students' Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with the CPI(M), and the Revolutionary Students' Federation (RSF) of the CPI(ML) Liberation have raised objections to the proposed screening.

SFI's Jadavpur University local committee secretary Abhinaba Basu said the organisation was not in favour of censorship but urged the university to ensure that the campus atmosphere remained peaceful.

Basu also expressed concern over screening a film that, according to the organisation, carries a narrative that could promote polarisation and division.

RSF's Jadavpur University unit secretary Indranuj Ray separately wrote to the Vice-Chancellor opposing permission for the event.

The organisation argued that such a screening could affect the university's secular and inclusive campus environment.

Film based on 1946 Calcutta violence

‘The Bengal Files’ is centred on the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings, which followed the Muslim League's Direct Action Day call and resulted in widespread communal violence in the city.

The film's proposed screening at Jadavpur University has consequently drawn attention amid competing views over freedom of expression, campus harmony and the portrayal of a highly sensitive period in Bengal's history.

While NSF maintains that students should have the opportunity to watch and assess the film themselves, opposing student groups have urged the administration to consider the potential impact on the campus environment.

For now, the university has confirmed only that it has received the screening request. No final decision on whether the event will be permitted has been officially announced.