If you follow Indian political discourse online, you know that a clash between commentator Dhruv Rathee and filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri is bound to generate headlines. This time, the spark isn’t a policy debate, but a question of what’s appropriate for children to watch.
The latest flashpoint is Agnihotri’s film, The Bengal Files. Rathee has strongly criticized the filmmaker after videos surfaced showing young children, some appearing to be under ten years old, attending a screening and expressing strong political views.
What Exactly Is the Controversy About?
The issue isn’t really about the film’s content itself, but about the audience it’s being shown to.
In a recent video, Dhruv Rathee reacted to clips from an event where Vivek Agnihotri is seen with a group of young school children. The children are shown watching The Bengal Files and later making strong, politically charged statements that echo the film’s narrative.
Rathee took issue with this. He argued that exposing impressionable young minds to a film with a dense, political thriller narrative and a clear ideological stance is irresponsible.
His core criticism, which he stated directly, was: “Allowing kids to watch this is a crime. They are not mature enough to process this kind of content.” He expressed concern that children are being used as “props” to further a political agenda before they can form their own independent opinions.
You can watch the segment in question on Dhruv Rathee’s YouTube channel.
Understanding the Films: ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Bengal Files’
To understand the context, it’s helpful to know what these films are about. Vivek Agnihotri is known for creating films that he terms as “nationalistic” and based on “untold true stories.”
- The Kashmir Files (2022): This was a major commercial success. It depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s. The film was both highly praised for highlighting a tragic historical event and heavily criticized for its graphic violence and polarizing narrative. It was given an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its intense and disturbing scenes.
- The Bengal Files: This new project is presented as a sequel of sorts. While not a feature film, it is a narrative presentation focusing on political violence in West Bengal. As it is a web-based presentation, it does not carry a CBFC rating, which places the onus of viewership squarely on the creators and parents.
The Question of Ratings and Responsibility
This is where the debate gets interesting. The CBFC exists for a reason: to provide guidance on the suitability of content for different age groups. A film like The Kashmir Files was deemed strictly for adults.
Rathee’s argument hinges on this principle of age-appropriateness. He suggests that just because The Bengal Files avoids a formal rating, it doesn’t mean the content is suddenly suitable for all ages. He implies that the intense, politically charged nature of the material is inherently adult-oriented.
The counter-argument, often made by supporters of such films, is that it’s important to educate the youth about what they see as hard truths of history and current affairs, and that parents are the best judges of what their children can handle.
A Larger Conversation About Media and Influence
This incident is more than just a celebrity spat. It taps into a bigger, global conversation we’re all having about media literacy, influence, and the protection of young minds in a hyper-information-saturated world.
Whether you agree with Rathee or Agnihotri, the discussion forces us to ask important questions: Where is the line between education and indoctrination? Who is responsible for policing content in the digital age where formal ratings can be bypassed? And what is the role of parents and creators in shielding children from complex adult themes?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Dhruv Rathee’s main criticism of Vivek Agnihotri?
Rathee’s primary criticism is that Agnihotri is acting irresponsibly by allowing and promoting young children to watch his politically charged film, The Bengal Files. He believes children are not mature enough to process the content and are being used for political messaging.
2. Did ‘The Bengal Files’ get a CBFC rating?
No, The Bengal Files is not a theatrical feature film. It is a web-based presentation and therefore does not require a certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This means it does not have an official age rating like U, U/A, or A.
3. What was the CBFC rating for ‘The Kashmir Files’?
Vivek Agnihotri’s previous film, The Kashmir Files, was given an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate by the CBFC. This was due to its graphic depictions of violence and intense, disturbing scenes.
4. How have people reacted to this controversy?
Reactions are deeply divided, largely along pre-existing political lines. Supporters of Agnihotri argue he is educating youth about important issues. Supporters of Rathee agree that exposing young children to such content is inappropriate and manipulative.
The Final Takeaway
The Dhruv Rathee vs. Vivek Agnihotri debate is a classic example of how culture and politics intersect in India today. Beyond the headlines and strong opinions, it serves as a crucial reminder for everyone—parents, creators, and consumers alike.
It encourages us to think critically about the media we and our children consume. It asks us to consider the intention behind a message and the appropriateness of its audience. In a world flooded with content, being mindful viewers is perhaps one of the most important skills we can develop.
What do you think? Where should the line be drawn?
