Vivek Agnihotri, born on December 21, 1973, is an Indian filmmaker, author, and public speaker known for his work in Bollywood and his outspoken views on social and political issues. Agnihotri made his directorial debut with Chocolate (2005), but it was his 2019 film The Tashkent Files, based on the mysterious death of former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, that gained him significant attention and praise. He followed up with The Kashmir Files (2022), a film based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir, which became a critical and commercial success, sparking national debates about the events portrayed in the film.

Agnihotri is known for his bold, often controversial takes on issues related to nationalism, history, and Indian politics. In addition to his filmmaking career, he has authored books and frequently engages in public discourse on social media, where he has been a vocal critic of certain political ideologies and mainstream narratives. His films often explore topics of historical and political significance, earning him a unique space in Indian cinema as a director who focuses on provocative themes.

In February 2023, BOOM fact-checked a viral claim that The Kashmir Files won the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

BOOM found out that the film actually won the Best Film category at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards, which is managed by a private organization and not affiliated with the government’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award, often regarded as the highest honor in Indian cinema.