Controversy Erupts as Bengal Files Allegedly Portrays 1946 Riot Hero Gopal Mukherjee as Butcher

A Hindi film awaiting release has ignited controversy over its portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee, a prominent Bengali fighter remembered for his role in stopping the 1946 riots and protecting Hindus during that time.

His grandson, Shantanu Mukherjee, has filed a police complaint against the film’s director, alleging that the movie misrepresents his grandfather’s legacy.

Family’s Objection to Film’s Portrayal

The issue arose when director Vivek Agnihotri, in a personal reel video, referred to Gopal Mukherjee as “Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha.” According to Shantanu, this depiction is misleading and derogatory.

He emphasized that his grandfather was not a butcher by profession but a wrestler, and also a key figure in the Anushilan Samiti. He played a crucial role in resisting the Muslim League riots in 1946.

Shantanu has sent a legal notice to the director, demanding an apology. He stated that this portrayal is not only historically inaccurate but also offensive to the family and the wider community.

In his words, “My grandfather was called Kashai (which means the butcher), also called Patha (means goat), which is disrespectful. I think Vivek Agnihotri should research more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He has not contacted us either. That’s why we are protesting this and will continue to do so. In protest, we have sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and also filed an FIR.”

Shantanu Mukherjee Defends His Grandfather

Gopal Mukherjee’s grandson further stated that his grandfather was deeply involved in the freedom movement and shared his ideology with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

He worked closely with several freedom fighters, and therefore, portraying him as “Kashai” or “Patha” is misleading. “He was a part of the freedom movement. His ideology matched with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

He worked with several notable freedom fighters. How can anyone say he is Kashai or Patha?” Shantanu asked.

Historical Context of the Controversy

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the “Great Calcutta Killings.”

On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League called for “Direct Action Day,” which led to violent riots in Calcutta, claiming thousands of lives. Gopal Mukherjee’s role in countering the violence remains a significant part of Bengal’s history.

(An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Gopal Mukherjee was referred to as a butcher in the film’s trailer. It has been corrected to clarify that Vivek Agnihotri used the term “Ek Tha Kashai Gopal Patha” in a reel video.)

FIR Filed Against Vivek Agnihotri

The film Bengal Files has already been embroiled in controversy even before its release. Several FIRs have been registered against director Vivek Agnihotri.

Recently, at the trailer launch event in Kolkata, a ruckus broke out over the portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee. His family has now officially filed a complaint, claiming that the film tarnishes his image.

Shantanu Mukherjee told the Indian Express, “I have complained to my local police station (Bowbazar police station). My lawyer has also sent a legal notice to the director for tarnishing my grandfather’s image.”

He also mentioned that Vivek Agnihotri did not consult the family before making the film. “The director never took any permission from us, nor tried to meet us or talk about my grandfather. Abusive words were used against my grandfather,” he added.

Vivek Agnihotri Responds

During a press conference in Delhi, Vivek Agnihotri addressed the controversy. He denied the allegations, asserting that he has shown Gopal Mukherjee as a hero in the film.

“I have shown him as a hero in the film. I have taken some excerpts from his interview with the BBC and have presented what he said verbatim. I know that the people of Bengal consider him a hero, and I have presented him in the same way. I respect him a lot,” Agnihotri said.

The film Bengal Files features Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Omung Kumar, and Shashwat Chatterjee in major roles and is scheduled for release on September 5.

Allegations of Political Pressure

Agnihotri also alleged that Shantanu’s FIR was filed under political pressure. He claimed that Shantanu works with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and was compelled to take this step.

“His grandson Shantanu works with TMC (Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress) and he is doing what is mandatory for him… You know how Bengal politics is. He is being forced to do what he has to do. We will answer him legally,” Agnihotri stated.