Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has sent a legal notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly defaming his film “The Kashmir Files.” The chief minister had ordered a ban on the screening of “The Kerala Story” and criticized “The Kashmir Files,” stating that it was a movie made to humiliate a certain section of society. Officials in the chief minister’s office claim they have no knowledge of the legal notice.
Agnihotri has alleged that Banerjee’s comments were defamatory and had caused financial harm to his film. He has demanded a public apology from Banerjee within seven days, failing which he would initiate legal action against her.
“The Kashmir Files” is a film based on the Kashmir conflict and the events that led to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley. It was released in theaters in India in February 2021 and received mixed reviews. The film features actors Anupam Kher and Pallavi Joshi in lead roles.
Agnihotri’s legal notice comes after Banerjee ordered a ban on the screening of “The Kerala Story,” a short film that portrays the violence that occurred during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the state. The film had been scheduled to be screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival.
Banerjee had criticized “The Kashmir Files” during a public meeting, stating that the film was made to “humiliate one section of society.” She had also alleged that the film was produced to “distort the facts and the history of Kashmir.” However, officials in the chief minister’s office have denied any knowledge of the legal notice sent by Agnihotri.
This is not the first time that Banerjee has been involved in a controversy regarding censorship of films. In 2018, her government had banned the release of the film “Bhobishyoter Bhoot” in West Bengal, claiming that it could create law and order problems. The film was eventually released in other parts of the country.
Censorship of films has been a contentious issue in India, with filmmakers and artists often coming up against objections from government authorities and right-wing groups. The debate around freedom of expression has intensified in recent years, with several films facing censorship or being banned outright.
In the case of “The Kashmir Files,” Agnihotri has accused Banerjee of defamation and causing financial harm to his film. The legal notice demands a public apology from the chief minister within seven days, failing which legal action will be initiated against her. It remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved, and whether the ban on “The Kerala Story” will be lifted.
