The production team of the controversial film The Diary of West Bengal has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of their director, Sanoj Mishra, in Kolkata. The film’s team, including Gauri Shankar, Deepak Sootha, and Rajdular Mishra, have raised alarms about the director’s sudden and unexplained absence.
The Diary of West Bengal has sparked significant debate with its trailer, which highlights sensitive issues such as the settlement of Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi infiltrators in the state, instances of communal violence, and the migration of Hindu families. The film also portrays Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The state government is concerned that the film could disrupt communal harmony and damage the state’s reputation.
The film’s team has accused the state government of harassment and attempting to silence their voices. This situation comes months after the state government banned the film The Kerala Story, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. It remains uncertain whether The Diary of West Bengal will face a similar ban or if it will be allowed to release as planned.
The film’s producers and director have vowed to challenge any ban in court. Meanwhile, the political tensions surrounding the film have escalated, with opposition parties gearing up to resist any government action to prevent the film’s release.
The team has also expressed their gratitude to actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, who has publicly supported them amid the challenges they are facing.