Mamata Banerjee’s government had filed a case against Mishra whose film The Diary of West Bengal depicted violence in the state, triggering widespread criticism
Sanoj Mishra, director of the controversial Hindi film The Diary of West Bengal who had reportedly gone missing from Kolkata eight days ago, has been found in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. UP Police said Mishra was seen at Assi Ghat where he was hiding, reportedly out of fear of police action due to the controversy surrounding his film.
The Diary of West Bengal depicts violence in the state and widely covers the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. The film triggered widespread criticism, leading to numerous threats against Mishra. The situation snowballed when the West Bengal government filed a case against Mishra for the film that was scheduled to be released on August 30.
Bollywood actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut had highlighted Mishra’s plight through an Instagram story. “He is Sanoj Kumar Mishra. After the trailer of his movie was released, Mamata Banerjee’s government filed a case against him. He went to Kolkata on 14th August to attend the court hearing and went missing,” she said, adding: “His wife is calling me every day, she is beyond devastated. Last night, she left for Bengal. I request @mamataofficial to help this poor lady find her husband. Thanks.”
In a recent Instagram post, Mishra, while conveying that tensions had escalated after the release of his movie’s trailer, said: “Friends, as the release date of the film The Diary of West Bengal is finalised on August 30, my problems are increasing. I am under a lot of mental pressure.”
After his sudden disappearance, Mishra’s wife Dwiti lodged a police complaint with the Lucknow Police, seeking assistance in finding her husband. In an interview, Dwiti had feared that her husband’s disappearance may be linked to threats he had received due to his work.
She explained that Mishra had left home on the morning of August 14 to catch a flight to Kolkata after being summoned by the Kolkata Police. Mishra promised to call her in the afternoon but she received no call. Dwiti said the last person to see Mishra was his nephew who dropped him off at the airport at around 7.30am for his 9am flight.
Mishra’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sanjay Bhushan confirmed that the filmmaker had been traced to Varanasi. However, Lucknow Police is yet to release any official statement.
