Director Vivek Agnihotri’s latest release managed to pull in slightly higher numbers on Saturday, though it continues to trail behind its major competition at the multiplex.

The historical drama collected Rs 2.25 crore on its second day in theaters, up from Friday’s opening of Rs 1.75 crore. This brings the film’s weekend total to Rs 4 crore across Indian cinemas.

Weekend Box Office Performance

The movie hit screens nationwide on September 5, going head-to-head with Tiger Shroff’s action sequel Baaghi 4. While Agnihotri’s film showed some improvement, the numbers remain relatively modest for a wide release.

Theater occupancy rates painted a mixed picture on Saturday. Morning screenings attracted just 15% of seats filled, but this figure climbed steadily throughout the day. Afternoon shows reached 29% occupancy, while evening and night screenings performed better at 35% and 40% respectively.

Competition Challenge

The real story lies in the box office battle with Baaghi 4. Tiger Shroff’s film dominated Saturday with Rs 9 crore in collections, pushing its two-day total to Rs 21 crore. The action franchise clearly has the upper hand with its star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt and former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu.

About the Film

Bengal Files tackles a sensitive historical subject – the communal riots that erupted in Bengal during the 1940s. The narrative centers on events following Direct Action Day and the Noakhali violence, periods that Agnihotri argues have been largely ignored in mainstream cinema.

Mithun Chakraborty headlines the cast alongside veteran actors Anupam Kher and Pallavi Joshi. The supporting ensemble includes Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, and several other notable performers from Bengali and Hindi cinema.

Critical Reception

Film critics have given measured responses to the nearly three-and-a-half-hour drama. The Times of India awarded it 3.5 stars, describing it as an intense viewing experience that doesn’t shy away from depicting violence. Reviewers noted that while the film’s approach can feel heavy-handed, it succeeds in bringing attention to lesser-known historical events.

The movie represents the third installment in what Agnihotri calls his “files” trilogy, following previous releases that also focused on controversial political and social themes.

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