Box office numbers often tell a story louder than reviews. Vivek Agnihotri’s latest film, The Bengal Files, started with anticipation, given the success of his earlier film The Kashmir Files. But as the first week unfolds, reality paints a very different picture. By Day 6, the movie has slipped further, managing to earn less than ₹1 crore, raising big questions about its long-term run.
A Strong Start… That Didn’t Last
When The Bengal Files released, there was buzz. Agnihotri’s films usually spark discussions, debates, and even controversies which often drive viewers to theatres. Many expected a repeat of the Kashmir Files magic.
However, after a decent opening, collections began to dip steadily. Day 6 confirmed what trade analysts had feared: the film is struggling to sustain audience interest.
The Bengal Files Day 6 Collection
Key Box Office Figures:
- Day 1: Moderate opening with curiosity-driven footfall
- Day 2 & 3: Slight weekend push, but not explosive
- Day 4 onwards: Decline becomes sharper
- Day 6: Less than ₹1 crore, signaling weak weekday traction
In total, the film’s six-day business is far below expectations for a Vivek Agnihotri directorial.
Why Is The Film Struggling?
Several factors seem to be playing against The Bengal Files.
1. Content Reception
Unlike The Kashmir Files, which struck an emotional and political chord, this film hasn’t connected with audiences on the same level. Reviews have been mixed, with many calling it uneven and less impactful.
2. Audience Fatigue
The “Files” branding worked strongly the first time, but repetition may have diluted its novelty. Viewers perhaps expected more freshness in storytelling.
3. Competition at the Box Office
Other releases in theatres have pulled attention away. With stronger word-of-mouth backing rival films, The Bengal Files found itself overshadowed.
4. Marketing & Buzz
Despite pre-release promotions, the buzz wasn’t enough to carry momentum into weekdays.
Comparing With The Kashmir Files
It’s impossible to discuss The Bengal Files without comparing it to Agnihotri’s earlier success. The Kashmir Files turned into a cultural phenomenon, earning massive numbers despite polarizing opinions.
But lightning rarely strikes twice in the same way. The Bengal Files highlights how difficult it is to replicate a surprise blockbuster.
Audience Response
Word-of-mouth is critical for films like this, and here it’s lukewarm at best. Social media chatter shows that while some viewers appreciate the intent and message, many feel the execution doesn’t pack enough punch.
- Positives shared: Strong performances, bold theme
- Negatives highlighted: Slow pacing, repetitive tone, emotional disconnect
The result? Fewer repeat audiences and lower weekday footfalls.
The Road Ahead: Can It Recover?
The truth is, recovery looks tough unless there’s a sudden turnaround in public perception.
- Week 2 usually decides a film’s fate, but with earnings already under pressure, expectations are low.
- Unless word-of-mouth improves drastically, The Bengal Files risks being labeled as a major box office underperformer.
Broader Lessons for Bollywood
The film’s performance also speaks to a larger trend in Bollywood.
- Audiences are less forgiving of weak content, no matter the brand or director.
- Social media-driven reviews can make or break weekday runs.
- Star power and controversy alone can’t guarantee success anymore—substance matters.
Box Office Summary in Numbers
To recap the six-day journey:
- Opening Day: Average response, not blockbuster-level
- Weekend: Mild growth but failed to impress
- Weekdays: Sharp decline, collections dipping under ₹1 crore
- Day 6 Total: Struggled below ₹1 crore, highlighting a tough road ahead
Final Thoughts
The Bengal Files entered cinemas with high expectations but has so far failed to live up to the hype. Vivek Agnihotri’s reputation as a filmmaker who sparks debates remains intact, but box office numbers remind us that audience connection is everything.
The verdict is clear: unless the film pulls off a surprising comeback in its second week, it may go down as one of 2025’s biggest disappointments at the Bollywood box office.
Have you watched The Bengal Files yet? Do you think it deserved better numbers, or was the dip expected? Share your thoughts in the comments below!