The Bengal Files actress Anubha Arora believes films should not be protested against before viewing. She opens up on working with Vivek Agnihotri, the casting process, and preparing for her emotional role, while urging audiences to watch the film first and form opinions later.
Actress Anubha Arora, who plays a key role in the upcoming film The Bengal Files, has spoken out about the controversies surrounding the project and whether it is fair for people to protest against films before watching them. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Anubha expressed her firm belief that judgments about a film should come only after experiencing it on the screen.
According to her, condemning or boycotting a film without viewing it is not a balanced or informed approach. “Until you experience something, you can’t form a valid opinion about it. It’s like judging a book by its cover. A film might be about much more than what you assume, so people should watch it first and then decide,” Anubha explained.
The actress was responding to questions about the backlash The Bengal Files has faced even before its wide release. The film, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, has stirred political debate and public resistance, with reports of cancelled screenings in certain places. An FIR was also filed against Agnihotri, alleging that the film wrongly portrayed freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, popularly known as Gopal Patha, as a butcher.
When asked whether the cancellations were politically motivated, Anubha chose to remain cautious, admitting that she did not have first-hand knowledge of the incidents. “Honestly, I wasn’t present, so I don’t have much insight. If I had been there, I could have said more,” she stated.
Despite the controversies, Anubha remains focused on her craft and the work she has done in the film. She shared how she bagged her role in The Bengal Files, crediting the casting process for giving her confidence. “This role was actually brought to me by Tarun Bajaj Casting. First, I auditioned with Tarun sir on one script, then on another, which was specifically for my character. After being shortlisted, I auditioned at the office, then a look test was done, and finally, it all worked out. I was really happy with the process—it was smooth and gave me confidence,” she revealed.
Talking about her character in the film, Anubha emphasized the depth and emotional intensity it required. She noted that preparing for the role demanded strong emotional engagement, which kept her constantly invested. “My character was very emotional. It required strong emotional preparation, which kept me deeply involved,” she said.
When asked who was more serious on the set—herself or director Vivek Agnihotri—Anubha highlighted the shared dedication that drove the project forward. “Honestly, both of us were serious. Vivek is a visionary—he knows exactly what to capture, what to improvise, and he views things not just as a filmmaker but also as an audience. I was serious too because of the demands of my role,” she noted.
Anubha’s remarks reflect a broader debate around films that touch on sensitive subjects. While protests and political controversies are not new to Indian cinema, her perspective underscores the importance of allowing filmmakers to present their vision and audiences to form opinions after engaging with the final product.
As The Bengal Files continues to generate discussion, Anubha hopes that audiences will approach the film with an open mind. For her, cinema is not just about entertainment but also about storytelling and exploration of layered narratives. “People should watch it first and then decide,” she reiterated, stressing the need for informed criticism rather than preconceived notions.
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With her rising presence in films and thoughtful approach to her work, Anubha Arora is emerging as a strong voice in the industry. Whether The Bengal Files becomes another flashpoint in India’s cultural discourse or finds acceptance among audiences, her performance and professional journey add a new dimension to the conversation.
