Vivek Agnihotri’s much-talked-about film The Bengal Files, which hit theatres on September 5, 2025, continues to spark debates and discussions across the country. While the film entered cinemas amid controversies and high anticipation, its journey at the box office so far reflects both promise and challenges.
Opening Amid Heavy CompetitionReleased alongside Tiger Shroff’s action-packed Baaghi 4 and Hollywood’s horror thriller The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Bengal Files faced stiff competition right from day one. Despite the clash, the film managed to grab audience attention with its sensitive storyline based on a painful chapter of Indian history. Many viewers, especially the younger generation, were drawn to the subject, which remains relatively less explored on the big screen.
The film opened with decent numbers, collecting ₹1.75 crore on Friday. Word of mouth and curiosity surrounding its controversial themes helped it grow over the weekend.
Day-Wise Box Office JourneyHere’s how The Bengal Files has performed in its first four days at the Indian box office:
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Day 1 (Friday): ₹1.75 crore
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Day 2 (Saturday): ₹2.25 crore
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Day 3 (Sunday): ₹2.75 crore
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Day 4 (Monday): ₹1.10 crore
With Monday’s dip in earnings, the film’s total collection now stands at ₹7.85 crore. According to early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk, the film recorded an occupancy rate of 18.24% on Monday. Morning shows saw only 9.99% turnout, but numbers improved to 17.10% in the afternoon, 21.66% in the evening, and peaked at 24.19% for night shows.
The Monday DeclineWhile the weekend growth was encouraging, the sharp fall on Monday was noticeable. After making steady progress on Saturday and Sunday, the film’s earnings dropped to just ₹1.10 crore on the first weekday. This decline could be attributed to the tough competition from Baaghi 4 and The Conjuring: Last Rites, both of which continue to attract large segments of the audience.
Still, industry analysts believe the coming days will be crucial. If the film sustains momentum during weekdays and pulls in audiences through strong word of mouth, it could secure a stable second weekend.
Star-Studded Cast Adds StrengthOne of the strongest aspects of The Bengal Files is its impressive cast. The film features veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, and Simrat Kaur in key roles. Supporting performances by Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Saurav Das, and Mohan Kapoor further add depth to the narrative.
Their collective performances have been widely praised, with critics pointing out that the cast has successfully brought emotional weight to the film’s sensitive subject matter.
Controversy, Curiosity, and Audience ResponseThe buzz around The Bengal Files was amplified by controversies before its release, which in turn fueled audience curiosity. Agnihotri, known for addressing hard-hitting and often divisive themes, once again attempted to highlight an untold part of Indian history. For many viewers, the film offered not just entertainment but also an eye-opening perspective.
However, sustaining interest amid big-budget competitors remains a challenge. The coming weeks will determine whether the film can maintain steady collections and carve its own success story.
Final OutlookAs of now, The Bengal Files stands at ₹7.85 crore after four days at the box office. Despite facing tough competition, the film has shown resilience and managed to attract its audience base. The weekdays ahead will be critical in deciding its long-term run.
With a strong star cast, emotional narrative, and growing discussions around its theme, The Bengal Files still holds the potential to surprise at the box office, provided it maintains stability in the coming days.
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