কে এই গোপাল পাঁঠা? কেন এত বিতর্ক? The Bengal Files| Kunal Bose

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Identity & Early Life
Gopal Chandra Mukherjee (1913–2005), popularly known as Gopal Patha, inherited his nickname (“Patha”) from his family's meat shop on College Street—“patha” meaning “goat” in Bengali .

Role in 1946 Calcutta Riots
He emerged as a formidable local figure—a gang leader commanding hundreds amid the Great Calcutta Killings triggered by the Muslim League’s “Direct Action Day” in August 1946. Patha organized armed Hindu resistance to protect vulnerable communities during the communal violence .

Complex Legacy
While regarded by some as a hero defending Hindus, others deemed him a fearsome “goonda.” Yet his grandson and interviews reflect a nuanced character who also sheltered Muslim families and preached restraint, instructing his men not to harm innocents .



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Recent Controversy: The Bengal Files

Film Portrayal Triggering Backlash
In the trailer for The Bengal Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and set to release on September 5, 2025, Gopal Patha is introduced with the phrase “Ek tha Kashai Gopal Patha” (“There was a butcher named Gopal Patha”), accompanied by communal visual elements .

Family's Response
His grandson, Santanu Mukherjee, has strongly objected—claiming the depiction reduces Patha to a “Muslim‑hating butcher,” disregarding his broader freedom‑fighter credentials and humanitarian actions. The family has filed an FIR and sent a legal notice to the filmmaker, demanding an apology and proper representation of their grandfather’s legacy .

Additional Fallout & Political Undertones
The trailer's launch in Kolkata faced disruptions—alleged sabotage involving cut wires—which sparked debates over political interference and artistic freedom. The Trinamool Congress criticized Agnihotri for perceived alignment with BJP interests, while actor Saswata Chatterjee distanced himself from historical commentary on the film . Actress Pallavi Joshi condemned the trailer's stoppage as an assault on democracy , and Mithun Chakraborty urged youth to explore historical truths despite controversy .


#GopalPatha

#TheBengalFiles

#VivekAgnihotri

#SantanuMukherjee

#CalcuttaRiots1946

#GreatCalcuttaKillings

#BengalFilesControversy

#HistoryVsCinema

#FreedomFighterOrButcher

#HistoricalTruth

#NarrativeDebate

#UnsungHeroes




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