Original subtitles

Hello?

Janavarta News Paper! (People's Herald)

Yes.

Am I talking to the Editor?

Yes.

Haridas, Ashok Gupta here!

Yes Sir?

I'm calling you with some news

What news?

There've been some Jaundice cases here in Chandipur!

Jaundice?

Yes, what we call Infective Hepatitis!

Also other water borne diseases as well...

...like typhoid, gastroenteritis and others!

They've occurred in our hospital and in private ones!

None of them have ever been seen in Chandipur!

Please print this so that people can be made aware

Know how it is happening?

No, not yet !

We can't find the source of the contamination !

Should I tell you what I think - Yes, do!

The Santoshpur chemical factory across the river...

...could be leaving chemical impurities in the water...

...because we know the fish are dying!

We've printed that too! Haven't you read it?

No, chemical impurities don't cause such diseases

I'm sure you know better!

Will you print it?

Should we say Infective Hepatitis or Jaundice?

Jaundice is better understood!

All right, I'm sending you a reporter - Sanat Dasgupta

Please give him more details

All right - I'll keep you informed

Thank you, sir.

National Film Development Corporation, India presents

An adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play

"An Enemy of the People"

Satyajit Ray's

GANASHATRU

Soumitra Chatterjee, Dhritiman Chatterjee, Deepankar De...

Ruma Guhathakurta, Mamta Shankar

Camera : Barun Raha

Associate Director : Ashok Bose

Editor : Dulal Dutta

Produced by: National Film Development corpn, India

Screenplay, Music and Direction : Satyajit Ray

Home made , I presume?

Yes. Like it? - Delicious!

In the office I just have tea. I'm having this out of greed!

I was wondering how you found time to come

I thought newspaper editors worked till midnight!

True,

...but as I said I had to meet the doctor urgently on work

He's normally here by now...

There seems to be an epidemic about, though

What epidemic?

Jaundice! - Again?

So it seems

We'd written about a few cases in Janavarta.

The doctor himself told us about them!

It's never happened here before!

He's been worried the past few days

There've been quite a few cases...

...in his private practice as well!

I hope it'll end!

After Bhargava's temple has come up...

...these last 10 years have been so different!

It's still 2 months to Shivratri...

...yet all hotels are booked fully!

Chandipur is an important place now!

We love this place!

We've been born and brought up here!

Chandan!

Of course he studied medicine in Calcutta

After our marriage,

we stayed there a while as he was practicing

I didn't like it

I felt at peace again when he returned to Chandipur!

We prefer small towns

Compared to Calcutta's pollu...

Where did the sun rise today?

Never find the time, too busy

The editor of Janavarta, Haridas Bagchi...

and my brother-in-law

Of course,

...don't I know the Chairman of the Municipality?

Hasn't he returned yet? - Maybe with a patient!

Will you have tea? - No, I've just had some

It's home made - Not between meals!

Still having trouble with your digestion ?

Ashok's prescription didn't work...

...so I've turned to herbal medicine.

Won't you have anything? - Just a glass of water

Okay.

How's your paper doing?

Still running!

You seem to have moved a bit to the left lately

Has it improved the circulation?

Do you read it?

At times, its the only daily in Chandipur

That is why I do go over it sometimes.

Hadn't your paper first reported about jaundice?

Thanks to the doctor!

Surprising!

He didn't say anything to me!

Maybe he didn't find the time.

You know how absent minded he is!

What does he think about it?

Not much...

...but he's quite worried!

Even if it's jaundice...

...it won't stop people coming for the festival!

Even since the Tripureshwar temples's been built...

...they've increase 3 fold!

I needn't tell you.

You're the President of the Bhavgava Trust!

Have you ever been to the temple?

Indeed, both of us have been there

I'm not like Ashok, I believe in religion

A week of praying at the temple and my spondilitis was cured!

Really? - They say Shiva is Very powerful

That must be my husband

I hope so. I've some work with him

I have to go soon!

What news of your son?

He decided to stay back

In America?

So it seems

Oh, Nishit? What brings you here?

Sit, I'll tell you

Saw Ronen coming on foot, so I gave him a lift!

Have a seat, Ronen.

They've all been waiting for you

I got delayed by a patient

The same case of jaundice?

Yes, he's out of danger now. What news of the hospital?

That's what I came to hear

There's nothing wrong there,

just an increase of these jaundice cases!

Bhargava wanted to know...

...if you had adequate stocks of medicine?

No worry there!

What worries me is the cause of this water contamination!

Is it from any particular area?

I think so, but it requires investigation

Some tea, Ronen?

I don't mind

Ranu isn't back yet

That's all right, I'll wait

By the way...

...any letters for me?

None!

Let me know if you need anything

That won't be necessary

Bhargava has done a great service by building the hospital...

Chandipur has all the facilities now

I think among small towns... none can...

...compare with Chandipur

I agree with you.

Even culturally we are not lagging behind!

Look at Ronen, he's from here!

See what he's achieved!

We're doing what we can

We've formed a Theater group.

The doctor's daughter also acts in it

Brought out, a year ago, a literary quarterly journal...

Ronen works in a bank He has a lucrative job

That's good

What's your journal called?

The Torch (Mashal)

Which way do you lean?

Right?

Or left?

Today most journals lean a bit to the left

But we have just begun. We have a lot to overcome

Few Subscribers

It's the effort that matters

You've said everything but the important thing!

I leave that to you -What is it?

He's our future son-in-law! -Is that so?

Really? Congratulations.

Thanks.

When is the happy day?

This "May"!

Is Ranu still teaching at school?

Yes, but she needn't any more from May...

...because Ronen has been promoted from January!

Haridas, you've been sitting quiet!

How're you getting along? -I'm looking forward to your story?

What about?

About Chandipur!

You'd written about its climate once

Now write something else!

This cultural scene... it can be a good subject

No... leave it for now

Why not?

It would be a very good thing for Chandipur

The news about jaundice must have upset many people

I've been upset too!

Terribly upset

I'm in no mood to write!

But to refuse to write... aren't you a well wisher of Chandipur?

Of course, a hundred fold! No one feels than I do!

That's fine! We're trying to build Chandipur...

...into a major tourist spot ...in West Bengal

We need your active support!

As for these new viruses...

...the municipality is behind you, rest assured!

Leaving? -Yes

I'll come some other time! -Don't forget!

Ronen, send me a copy of your journal

I will - Goodnight.

Goodnight.

The Chairman appeared in an affable mood

His mood is off...

...when he has indigestion!

I thought he'd be upset at meeting me!

Heard what he asked about my journal?

Don't take that seriously

No, I was in a fix didn't know what to say

Nishit has always been conservative

We never agree on anything

But we have some good points efficiency is worth praising

Been Chairman of Municipality 3 times running

The idea of the temple...

...is his Bhargava only conceived of the hospital

But for so many people visiting Chandipur

...he alone is responsible

It's now an obsession with him

He's a partner in Bhargava's rice mill, is he?

Yes, rice mill. Cold storage.

He is pretty well off.

You're gossiping here...

While I work to death!

Why so late?

Meeting.

Some tea?

Yes, I will

Seeing your mood...

...may I ask you a question without fear?

Don't be dramatic! What question?

Is your notebook in the bag?

Yes

But it's better you don't see it today

If you have any proofs, give them to me,

I'll correct them.

Thanks.

A letter for you, father

When did it come?

The postman brought it as I was leaving for school

Excuse me while I read this

What news of your school?

It's only 5 months old -Like it?

I do!

Even more at the end of the month when I get paid!

But I've no control over what I teach

I don't believe half of what I teach

But it's good in a way... everyone loves me!

I am the youngest of the teachers.

Has the story I gave you to translate been done?

I've had no time.

I hope you're not in a hurry for it?

Within the next week....

Who's letter? Father!

What is it?

I thought as much

I was right.

Nishit....

...if he were here, he'd have known!

I am quite restless to know.

Listen... this isn't just a letter...

I had sent a sample of Chandipur's water...

...to Calcutta for analysis

Here it is report!

Water from where?

From the most crowded part of Chandipur!

Bhuvanpulli! -Bhuvanpulli!

This report says that the water is full of bacteria!

Most patients came from there, so I sent sample from there....

...now its proved that whatever waterborne disease...

...are found in Chandipur's...

...the entire source is Bhuvanpulli!

That means?... -What?

Bhuvanpulli has our temple

Exactly.

At the centre of Bhuvanpulli !

Everyone is using that temple water

Not only that, they're drinking it!

Holy water!

Holy water!

That very infested water,

which faithful are drinking....

...from that very water, poison is entering people!

The question is...

where daily a thousand people drink the holy water...

...why is not everyone being affected?

Because there is a built in resistance in the body.

We call it immunity!

This is what protects everyone from getting ill!

But if even one is affected by typhoid, cholera or jaundice...

...then that is dangerous!

How did such a scandal take place? -Very simple...

The laying of underground pipes must have been negligent!

The water pipe must have cracked. The drain too cracked!

Now these waters are mixing

This is always happening in our country

What will you do?

I must send this report to my brother, with my comments

As municipal Chairman, he must take action immediately

And as long as the temple water is not purified...

...till then it cannot be used!

I have found out that...

...there's no natural source of water nearby!

Bhuvanpulli has a small number of tube wells

So apart from complete repair of the system,

...there's no way out!

Doctor Gupta.

Can we... print this... in the papers?

Must you ask?

Even about the temple?

You doubt it?

There'll be panic everywhere...

Yes. That is true.

Okay.

Don't mention Bhuvanpulli's name

Say a thickly populated area of Chandipur.

Lets see what my brother says,

then it can be given the headlines!

This is just to give people a warning

This is an extraordinary thing you've done!

You'll see, soon you'll be a national hero!

No, Haridas...

I don't want to be hero!

I want to be an ordinary citizen

Whatever I've done...

...is my duty as a doctor!

Hail Lord. Come and give the offering here.

I will perform the veneration here.

Priest. Please take my offerings.

Sir. Please repeat the chant after me.

Don't break the queue. Walk in a queue.

Where is the coconut seller?

Give me some holy water.

Hey, move ahead. Come on.

Hey, don't keep standing here. Come on. Move.

It is taking a long time for the veneration.

Father, I cannot find mother anywhere.

Priest. Please perform my veneration.

There are so many waiting for their turn.

Hey, move ahead. Come on.

Hey, don't keep standing here. Come on. Move.

Maya. - Coming.

Coffee.

Back so soon?

Nishit's coming!

He's got my report

Haridas had phoned

He needs something

Any more patients?

Sushanta is dead!

Dead?

Yes

At 6:30 am

But actually..

..he was very critical.

The first person known to us, gone!

More will go!

If nothing is done at once!

Surely Nishit will do something!

The problem is... he is jealous!

If he had discovered it himself then...

He is Adhir Mukherjee, our printer and publisher

Then you will be responsible in the eyes of the law...

...if anything objectionable is published

True!

He wants a few words with you

Have some tea or coffee

Ho, we're only here a short while

Do sit!

You've seen the news? -Yes, I think it will work

What is it? Tell me!

I didn't come to speak about any objectionable news

I've come to depend on you for your advice...

On what?

Look.

This discovery you've made...

...has not pleased everyone, I'm sure

To believe that Chandipur is not a healthy place...

...is not what everyone agrees on

Many people have told having seen the news...

...doctor Gupta is mistaken. The water here can't be polluted

Is that so?

Don't worry about it!

I'm Chairman of three Housing Co-ops...

...and over all the members of these co-operatives...

...I have sufficient influence...

I can guarantee that everyone will back you

I think after this your position will become strong!

That's good, alone one can't do much...

...though a lot depends on what decision my brother takes

I've told you that all of us are behind you!

If necessary, we'll call a meeting and pass a resolution...

But, I don't like crossing my limits...

Going beyond is not practical!

But you've done the citizens a great favour!

They should let you know how grateful they are!

I don't think anyone will object to that

This isn't the time for a reception

Let the danger be over, then we can think about it

Anyway, I've expressed my desires

Many thanks!

May we leave?

Please go ahead, I'll be with you!

Okay.

Can you spare 5 minutes?

Yes, that much only, My brother is coming

All right, I'll be brief!

Tell me.

In such a situation that has been created...

...what would you do in a progressive newspaper?

I think...

...to warn the citizens is the first duty...

...and immediately force a decision of the higher authorities!

Who will decide?

You'll say your brother as a Municipal Chairman will...

...but apart from your brother...

...there are other influential persons I know

When the news of fish dying in the river was published...

...then they came to my office and threatened me...

...that they'll see me if Chandipur gets a bad reputation

Actually,

...the prosperity of Chandipur...

...is being used for their own purposes

The Tripureshwar temple...

...is the greatest attraction to Chandipur

The daily income is mind boggling!

That some of it isn't going into their pockets...

...is hard to believe!

I want to expose them

As a newspaper editor...

...you'll do what you have to!

I know all these bureaucrats!

But I have to think of my own problems

I can't forget my duties as a doctor

But if your brother doesn't side you?

Brother, look at this..

We must be ready for every eventuality

I..

The report I had sent...

...are you ready to publish...

...if I wrote it as an article?

Of course! This a good suggestion

Then even if Nishit doesn't side me...

...I'll write it today itself

Ranu will copy it, when she returns, Her handwriting is good...

...and tonight I'll drop it at your office

Very good.

May I go?

Yes.

I don't think there's anything to worry about

Greetings.

What are you doing in the kitchen all the time?

Not in the kitchen.

I was showing the cook a new recipe

Let it be. Sit here awhile!

Sit, sit.

What are you thinking of?

After getting the report yesterday...

I'm very disturbed

I quite see that. Am I less worried?

I know what pressure is on you!

There's no end to your labour and then this...

That's why a good decision should be taken at once

And if Nishit disagrees

No, I can't believe it

He's as fond of Chandipur

Will he oppose me in these bad days?

I'm thinking of his jealousy!

I've seen him these thirty years!

Don't forget,

...he was the one who got me this hospital job!

He told us about this house

But only after securing himself!

Not before!

If he took your side,

I would be very happy ... but ...

But?

He's not like you...

...to think you're brothers...

Hello.

Hey, good morning, Mr. Bhargava.

Good morning.

You've met Mr. Bhargava - Of course, will you've some tea?

No, thanks.

Nor will I

Please come and sit.

Can we go to your Chamber?

Of course, come.

Come with me.

Well, Mr. Bhargava?

What have you done?

Why?

I've seen that report with Nishit

My mind's a whirl! My head is spinning

When I got the lab report, I felt the same!

It's a serious matter

But why drag my temple into it?

It's right in the heart of Bhuvanpulli

The water there has been found to be contaminated

The temple water is the same.

People are drinking that infected water!

What's this? Do you know?

This is holy water.

Holy water.

From my own temple.

I give this to you

Test it!

If you can find one germ of bacteria in it...

I'll be deemed.

What are you saying

Your medical science won't understand its properties

Dr. Gupta.

This holy water and all forms of holy water are free from germs.

This..

This is rather strange!

No, sir.

It isn't strange at all.

It's not only tap water, but Ganges water too!

How else can it be worshipped?

We get a regular supply of Ganges water from Calcutta.

Then there is milk in it.

There is the holy leaf.

There is sesame.

And most important..

..there are basil leaves.

Do you know?

All impurities are removed by the Tulsi leaf!

How can you know?

But Hindus has known it for thousands of years.

After eating the `Prasad' a patient fell ill and came to me

But not holy water.

Your brother told you to,

but you didn't ever go to my temple

In these last ten years.

You won't understand the Hindu religion

Then you won't do anything about the water?

There's nothing to be done about the temple

There is no necessity.

Then I have nothing to say

The number of patients are increasing

Forget about the temple

The municipality will censure that...

the people of Bhuvanpulli boil their water

If necessary, more tube wells will be dug

But you will not give my temple a bad name

This is my request.

Are you going? - Yes, I have another appointment

I have to go.

I'll see you off!

Listen Nishit

I can see that your decision won't differ from Bhargava's

I have a question

Well?

Couldn't you have discussed this business with me?

But everything needs proof!

I couldn't work on presumption When I got proof, I told you

Do you want to present this report to the temple authorities?

Immediately.

Officially to the municipality as well

The number of patients is increasing

Bhargava may not want his temple to have a bad name...

...but I can't deny the lab report!

If we agree...

...that the underground pipe water...

...is contaminated by drain water

Have you any idea how much time...

...and money will be needed to locate and repair it?

And the temple must be closed

Thousands of people will know why its closed!

Is there any other choice?

If I say what Bhargava says...

...that because of Tulsi leaf etc. in holy water...

... there can be no contamination...

...and its been happening this way for ages

I'm concerned about the well water of Tripureshwar temple...

It is polluted

Diseases are spreading here which were never seen before

Many have died...

...among those who are ill, are residence of Bevampulli...

...or visitor to the temple

I accept everything

But I still insist...

...you don't submit this report to the Committee

I can keep quiet myself...

Bhargava won't tell anyone...

I know that for sure.

But everyone cannot suppress this matter

And if this is now known,

people will stop coming to Chandipur!

That's what they'll do if there's an epidemic also!

I'll look into that

Whether to boil water... or dig more tube wells...

I'll look into that.

But to say the temple water causes illness...

...don't spread this rumour!

But some people are thinking about it!

How ?

Haven't you seen Janavarta?

No.

Chandipur endangered?

When you did this...

...didn't you think of yourself, your family?

What are you trying to say?

Who got you the hospital job?

You did!

And I'm very grateful to you for that!

I thought by settling you...

... your ego would be satisfied...

You'll be more careful

Aren't I careful?

As soon as you get a new idea, you publish it!

The last time. No park for children...

You complained and published it

When the land had already been acquired by the Bhargava trust

I didn't know that!

If you'd asked me, you'd have known!

Again you should have told me...

...as soon as you sent the chemical report

But instead you wrote to the press

But... what if people know?

You've made a great mistake...

... by involving the temple in it!

The temple isn't mentioned in the paper,

...nor in Bhuvanpulli's name!

The people aren't fools!

Even a stall owner knows...

...that Bhuvanpulli is the most crowded area

Now it's your duty...

...to contradict what you say...

Or else

...write to the press that you were wrong

That its not as serious matter...

...as you had thought before!

But I cannot lie

Then ...

... as municipal Chairman...

...I must tell them!

I will definitely protest about it!

The greatest attraction to Chandipur is its temple

And the temple was my idea.

I won't hear any scandal about it!

Think over what I said

You should be seriously affected

I don't want that either

You're forgetting one thing...

What?

There's something called a court!

If you tie me down,

...I'm bound to take shelter under the law!

Do you know Doctor Nandi?

No, but his bother is my patient

Then you ought to know...

... that the doctor who goes twice a week to the temple...

...he will tear up the petition of one so irreligious as you!

I met him last week

He's in good health!

He has not got..

..infective hepatitis.

What's the matter?

What have both of you brothers started?

I heard every word you both said

Amazing

My own brother...

...said all this in my house!

I'm not surprised in the least

How little I know of him

But such a violent reaction... I didn't even dream of it...

As if the temple is his own!

What if your brother dresses like an Englishman

Sanctity will be finished for ever because of his negligence

Says that water is purified by Tulsi leaves

There's no contamination in Holy water!

Ever heard of such things!

Have you?

I have...

...in my childhood... from my father

Amazing !

Only now science has become important...

It wasn't there then

Don't you care to go to the temple?

Maya, look at me

Tell me truly

Don't you care to go to the temple?

Why this question? - Tell me!

Now I...

I don't want anything between us!

Earlier?

You don't believe in religion. I'm not upset

Earlier, perhaps

Now I understand ...

... that a man, not knowing everything, can still be honest

What's the use of being honest

Use ?

I understand, if you don't

Be cool and think ...

What to do !

If Nishit sided with me it would've been good ...

... but

... without him, much needs to be done

How can you say this ?

I'm not alone

Backing me is a progressive newspaper

They are publishing an important article about this situation

The printer of this paper Adhirbabu is Chairman of

... there co-opertative Housing societies

He has assured me that all his members will support me, always

Now how can I say that I'm alone?

There are still obstructions to overcome

"It has not gone again and it is still here."

"The darkness. Not yet."

"It has not gone again and it is still here."

"The darkness. Not gone yet."

"Life is not yet over."

Mother,

...Father has written so well and you're singing a sad song ?

Yes. Thanks.

Tell me truly how it needs ? - Very good

But will Janavarta publish this, father ?

Why not?

They've done so before.

Is this the same sort of Article?

You've never written such a bold Article before

You're talking about not drinking holy water...

...closing down the temple

That's to prevent the spread of disease

Nothing to do with religion

Janavarta won't be able to distinguish between the two

But Haridas told me he would himself

I doubt even more - Why ?

I don't care for him a bit

He just stares at woman !

That's your impression ?

I don't doubt, Haridas is a good person

I hope...

...that it's an error of judgement

Should I sing a happy song ?

Both of you are arguing

Ranu's wrong, the article will be published

I hope so

No one speaks the truth any more

If its published, won't your brother take revenge ?

Isn't sit helpless in fear of Nishit

I must do my duty

I admit that ...

... but I'm very scared

I know Nishit well

You were never close to each other

I haven't forgotten anything

Remember what happened after father-in-law's death ?

Yes, indeed

I've never said anything to Ranu

She'd just been born then

What happened then ?

Your grandfather ...

... was very fond of good things ...

... being a lawyer he saved quite a bit ...

...but spent it all

At the age of 60, he left behind a huge debt

Nishit was working then

But didn't spend a farthing in repayment of that debt

Your father sweated and toiled ...

... to pay back, all by himself

How I managed this family only I know !

Am I worried for nothing ?

They must publish this article

I'll give it to them just now

So late ?

I've informed Haridas, he'll wait at the office

I'm very scared, mother - Am I any less afraid ?

The honest suffer the most !

Please stand in a queue.

Hey, priest. Please perform the veneration.

Mother, give me another sweet.

Please give me some holy water.

Please give me some holy water.

Read it ?

I shiver to think what such an article in our paper will do

Listen ...

For the last 26 years...

...I have been a medical practitioner in Chandipur

I'm saying that nothing so dangerous has been faced here before

If no action is taken at once, there'll be an epidemic

This action not only depends on this organization ...

... people also have to participate

Is very sad ...

... that the water of Tirupeshwar temple has been proved ...

... to be contaminated ...

... for religious and household work if this water is used ...

... there'll be no way to protect from these complicated diseases

This water should be immediately purified

This is the only way to safeguard Chandipur from this disaster

There's no comparison to this article ...

It will bring about awarness

That's what I doubt? How?

Seventeen letters have been posted to us

Letters ?

From readers

What do they say ?

Ashok Gupta is wrong ...

Chandipur's water cannot be impure

They're fools ! Disputing scientific evidence !

Why are you listening to them ?

When the article is published our prestige will increase tenfold !

We've never published anything like this ...

... nor has Dr.Gupta ever written such things !

I don't know the man ...

... but reading the article I've developed a respect for him

I can hardly

He's one in a million ... Shouldn't we support him ?

Adhirbabu always says to keep one's distance ...

... but we can't think like that any more

This is like the hammer on the head. This is today's situation

Busy ?

Come in Sir ! We were just talking about you !

Really ?

Our Assistant editor, Biresh Guha

He's just read your article - I see.

I'm honored ...

I've never read such a good article ever!

Thank you, I am happy to hear that

If this is the view of the Assistant editor, what does the Editor say?

You know I'm one of your followers ...

Well then ? Publish it!

Let me tell you something ...

The morning post has brought these seventeen letters ...

Letters ?

They can't believe that Chandipur's water can be contaminated

I see !

They think Chandipur is Heaven!

They refuse to bear anything bad about it

But there are other people as well Haridas...

Even among your readers itself

Even if they believe that Chandipur is an ideal town...

...a disaster is not impossible here!

They don't refute scientific evidence unlike illiterates

They are aware of the disaster an epidemic can cause!

That this will be a great disaster for the city...

...and that it must be prevented they firmly believe

These are my readers, Haridas!

I don't believe that if you publish my article...

...they'll refuse it

You print it

Greetings, doctor.

Hearing your voice I thought I'd stop by

Have you read my article?

Not yet, I will in a while

I hope this won't spoil everything

If you've thought of me while writing

I wouldn't worry at all

Of you?

The question of limit

I'll be in trouble, if it exceeds that limit

Listen to me

The danger for Chandipur is a thousand times more than that for you

Can't think of oneself anymore!

There's shadow of a calamity over the city today

And the only way to protect it, is by publishing my article

If you say so...

I loudly say so Ajit

I need your support for this article

All right

I'll just come back to collect your article

Then I'll go. I have a patient.

Give the article for composing

I'll check the proof in the evening

Come on.

Now..

What is it?

We have to take a great risk doing this...

...hope you appreciate it

If you don't take any risk, why call yourself progressive?

You say your readers decide what should be said...

It's also your duty to enlighten them up

To influence their thinking!

Remember that!

Ajit babu will shiver at the article

Yes, he's very cowardly

And he's become whimsical about keeping safe distance!

Can't we exist without him?

How can we?

When in trouble, who will finance our printing costs?

That's true!

But don't support him at all with regard to this article

...it is only...

Come in

Come in.

Your father was just here? -is it?

Thought I'd return your book during the break!

The translation?

Have you read the book

No, but I've heard it, its very popular

That's why I thought we'd publish it on Sunday

I read it last night It's a terrible story

It has no link to your values

Why? What does it say?

Nothing in it rings true

It says there's supernatural force on earth...

...Which protects the good and punishes the wrongdoers

Can you imagine anything so foolish?

You're laughing?

Indrani.

Unfortunately..

..our readers want this.

We have to earn some money to increase our circulation

Would we publish this if we had a strong base?

You keep saying, your circulation is poor...

...but seeing your office its difficult to believe

Anyway...

I won't translate it!

Because I don't believe a word of it

I can't imagine how you're thinking of publishing this!

Especially when you're publishing an article like this

Are you speaking of your father's article?

Aren't you printing that? - We're thinking about it

Here you will be doing a service to everyone...

...If it's printed...

Do you know why?

...I do... -What?

My father speaks the truth, boldly...

and writes well, that's why

...That's true...

there's one more reason

What?

He is...

...your father!

What are you saying?

It's the truth

I've been so often to your father's place to collect writing

...one reason was to see you, which you don't understand

I don't understand nor do I want to know

Don't be angry Indrani

It's not that I don't respect your father

Respect?

You're cheating my father!

What sort of a man are you?

You're talking a bit angrily

Is this the right time

Why not now?

If Janavarta does not help your father...

he won't have any support

I see! ... I'm leaving!

I couldn't tell you as you had a visitor

The Municipal Chairman is here!

Sorry, sir. I made you wait!

I was seeing your office - Come

Was that my niece? - I had given her a book to translate

Sit down.

Sit down.

How can I help?

Today there's been an unwanted incident

Like?

It's my brother

He has sent a report to the authorities and the municipal

Despite of my warning

The report is dangerous

I know about it

How?

He has sent a report based on that

Have you read it?

Yes.

I have -Will it be published?

I can't decide yet!

Actually.. - No!

Do you realise the danger of publishing this report?

He says stop giving holy water close the temple

Dig out the underground pipe and fix a new pipe line

Can't you see? This is the ranting of a mad man ?

Will your readers agree to this?

The doctor's article... -Just a minute

Has he come to take the article to compose it?

He's our printer and publisher

Printer and publisher?

Greetings, Mr. Chairman.

Have you read Ashok's article?

You mean Dr. Gupta's article?

Yes, he's my elder brother

No. I haven't, I'll now

Do you know, you'll be in trouble if you publish this

I'm not aware of this

Do you go to the temple?

I do - sometimes!

Do you take holy water?

Is that wrong?

From now...

You can't -Why not?

By the ordering Ashok Gupta

And by his order the temple will be closed indefinitely

What?

Is all this in his article? -It is

Are you telling me to publish this?

Listen, Haridas

I've brought a circular... from the municipality

I'll read it to you

On behalf of Chandipur municipality, we inform you...

...that with regards to water, in part of this town...

Some person are spreading false rumours...

We notify the public not to be alarmed by malignant rumours

We've engaged specialist to test the water in many parts of the town

And understand that this water is harmless for drinking

We condemn the vicious attempt to spread such false rumours....

Chairman Chandipur municipality!

Dr. Gupta's here He's getting out of his car

Please escort the chairman to your room, sir please...

Why?

Why should I go? I'll stay here

Am I seeing my youngest brother?

Are you here to see my article is not published?

That's the main idea!

You won't succeed

You may not be aware that I came by here some time ago

I came again to make a correction!

Give me the article please. -I haven't got it yet

Janavarta is publishing my article

People not aware that the epidemic is spreading in the city...

...they will know tomorrow

I believe people will take my advice...

...and that ... will be good for Chandipur

Is Haridas given you his word?

Of course!

Well?

What do you say, Haridas?

No. I mean...

Speak up, clearly!

I thought I'd support Dr.Gupta...

...before reading the article!

Now it's not possible

Then say so!

What?

What's this Haridas?

You came in suddenly and I couldn't tell you! Openly!

We can't publish your article. Dr. Gupta

We are running Janavarta...

...the way you've brought up the temple...

You mean what I said about the temple is all lies?

It's not what I mean....

It's public opinion

We can't ignore that in a newspaper

Whether this is public opinion...

...or not how to know in advance?

Are you God?

Do you know the pulse of the people

We are running the paper for 12 years now,

....we've some experience

Print this and see what happens!

I'll take the entire responsibility

If we do so,

...then our circulation will down to one quarter

Then we'll have to close down

But you said a while ago...

...you spoke so much yesterday at my house...

Hello.

Call after half an hour

Omit the part about the temple...

and I'll publish it!

I'm a doctor, haven't I a duty to society?

The water contains bacteria...

...can't I say it in a daily paper?

I am very sorry, Dr. Gupta.

Are you human?

And you?

If you write like this,

how can I give you moral support?

My members themselves will...

...how can I ask them to print it?

I've left the matter,

...see that is printed on tomorrow's front page

Okay.

What do you think? You can't stop my mouth so easily?

I'll read it out at the meeting

People will hear about it,

even if they don't read about it!

Meeting?

Where will it be?

Why?

Ramanar Hall... Vivekananda Hall!

You won't get either

Is that what you'll arrange?

All right

I don't need a hall

I'll call a meeting in the open air!

I'll be present there!

You want to ruin my speech...

...but what if the epidemic spreads in Chandipur?

In that case...

...it will not be because of holy water

Very well.

I'm inviting all of you to my lecture

I'll see what you do!

You want to say something?

What have you done?

Meaning?

You won't publish this article?

You've gone back your word!

Look Biresh

I am the editor of this paper

I'll decide what to publish and what not to!

By publishing the article...

I believe, Janavarta would have gained a good name...

...and supported a true human!

How are you denying the crisis?

The epidemic is there!

I don't want to discuss this with you anymore

Go back to your room!

What's this? You're here at this hour?

Your father phoned me

Where's he? Hasn't he returned?

He has, he's with a patient

Why did he phone? -It's a long story

Janavarta will not publish your father's article.

They have refused.

I knew it!

I went there to return their book this afternoon

Haridas is an awful man...

...and so is their paper!

Now your father wants to spread his article by lecturing!

But no hall is available

Why?

Your uncle, has made such arrangements!

What injustice!

Think of it....

The brothers are like opponents!

He range me to arrange the meeting in our Drama hall!

I talked to your uncle.

He agrees on one condition

Do you know what your uncle says of your father?

When is the lecture?

Sunday evening at six!

The posters are being printed, they'll be parted all over!

You won't get into any trouble will you?

I don't care,

...don't you know me by now?

Then I do!

Is that you Ranu? - Yes father

I heard it all from Ronen

You were right

I didn't know...

...Haridas at all!

He pretends of a progressive ...but he's no courage!

No back bone!

It's good in a way

If it was published,

...your father would have lost his job

Anyway you've arranged the lecture...like a true friend!

My only aim is to let people know the situation...

Tomorrow there'll be a notice in the paper

What notice?

That people shouldn't be worried...

..that there's nothing wrong with the water

I should have guessed it long ago....

That by taking holy water you'd fall ill...

...no Hindu would agree

But it is true that...

...keeping the matter hanging will banning about one thing...

...an epidemic!

Lecture. Time : 15 January, 1989, Sunday

Subject: Health Hazard in Chandipur

Speaker: Dr. Ashok Gupta Venue: Halder Drama Hall

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8..

..9, 10. Hello. Hello.

Hello. Hello.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8..

..9, 10. Hello. Hello.

So you have come? -Yes! - Come and sit down.

I attend all public meetings!

What's the subject? I entered seeing the crowd!

Don't ask me!

He'll talk something about health !

The health of Chandipur?

I think its about that water problem we had here

That came in the papers, didn't you read it?

No. -That was refused by the Chairman

I'm here to listen to what he says

Did you see? My opponents are present also!

Where?

Look ahead

How are they here?

I called them

The things you get upto....

Mother.

Here's uncle

Did you call him as well?

He himself said he'd come!

It's a public meeting...

...I can't stop people from coming

I'll propose you as president

President?

With you here? -I have a problem.

Haridas. You'll second my proposal

All right !

I wish to say something before Ashok, please announce it

If there's time, I'll request you to speak also

Me? -Yes

You've read the article and can give your opinion

They're discussing some plans!

It doesn't look good!

Just a minute

Listen, I don't like the looks of things

The opponents are all here. I am depending on you

Don't worry! We are ready.

Good.

Dr. Gupta, isn't it time?

Yes, it is. -Start then!

Just a minute

I think we should elect a Chairman first

Why?

I'm only going to read a paper

Who knows how people will react?

You can't have a meeting without the Chairman

I propose the name of Adhir Mukherjee

I second it

Mr. Adhir.

Come !

Friends, as Chairman of this meeting....

I will say only one thing

Who are you?

I am the printer and publisher of Janavarta. - I see.

Carry on

I will only say one thing

I am a peace loving person

I request the meeting to be a peaceful one

Before Dr. Gupta speaks ... our Chairman of the Municipality...

Dr. Nishit Gupta would like to say a few words

May I request him to do so

Friends...

Today's speaker is knows to me intimately

I also know what he wants to say

I would like to ask, if any one of you...

...is willing to hear words said against our temple

No. Certainly not!

We don't want to listen to anything bad about the temple.

But that is exactly what Dr. Gupta wants to do!

I propose that Dr. Gupta should not be allowed to speak !

We don't want to hear him!

What?

We want to hear Dr. Gupta

Speak Dr.Gupta. -Why isn't he being allowed to speak?

Give the mike to Dr. Gupta, we don't want to listen to you!

Order. Order. Order!

You've seen the notice of Municipality in the papers

Many of you may have read it

What I've said there is the truth

Dr. Gupta says the temple water is contaminated

And the same water is being drunk as holy water!

I say that the holy water can never be impure

Dr. Gupta suggested that the sample should've closed now...

...and its water purified

Do you accept such a proposal?

No, no!

You can't shut the temple down!

The editor of Janavarta is present here

Gupta submitted the article to the paper!

The editor justifiably refused to permit it

I request him to say a few words on the subject

We don't want to hear him?

We've come to hear Dr. Gupta....

...not the editor of Janavarta

Friends,

at first I believed what Dr. Gupta said...

...but later I was forced to change my opinion

I realised that if I am to print his article ...

...my readers will strongly object

I had a cordial relationship with Dr. Gupta

I'd been to his house, had tea and discussed many matters

In fact, our paper has carried many of his articles

But, in this latest piece,

he has remarked about our temple...

...which no one can approve of

As the editor of a paper...

...I cannot ignore public opinion!

It was due to this....

...that I turned down Dr. Gupta's article

I personally feel...

...that what Dr. Gupta says is not correct

What is he saying? - What is happening here?

I propose that we take a vote on the proposal

I wish to ask a question first

Go ahead!

Is this a meeting...

...or a farce?

I called the meeting!

It was my notices which brought the people...

...to hear me speak

Let them hear me first and then decide...

...if I'm right or wrong

Let the municipal chairman say what he wishes!

Why must you take his word as gospel truth?

You've taken the trouble to come here.

Listen to me first...

Let me be allowed to speak

We don't want to hear talk against the temple.

Dr. Gupta keep quiet.

Yes, yes. Dr. Gupta. Please be quiet. - Yes, yes.

I refused to be silenced so easily

I love this town,

...the place of my birth most dearly!

Whatever I've done as a doctor is for the town's welfare !

I've been practicing here for 26 years now!

It is possible...

...that some of my patients are amongst you!

I wish to say that Dr. Gupta is an eminent doctor...

...he saved my life when I was facing death

I'm eternally grateful!

Thank you Abani babu

I wish to say that until quite recently,

...our climate was healthy

But no longer!

I have proof of that!

And I want to tell you...

Chandipur has never been threatened with such disaster

It is not that a healthy climate cannot be restored...

...to avert disaster.

You must be told or how would you know?

Tell me do you want to hear?

Yes, we want to hear!

Yes, speak up, we want to hear you!

Friends,

what I'm trying to tell you tonight...

Mr. Chairman...

I wish to put a question to Dr.Gupta

Please do...

Do you call yourself a Hindu? -What kind of question is that?

There's a reason, answer

Yes I'm one, I emphatically say so!

There can be no doubt about that

Have you been to our temple in the last 10 years?

Not in the manner that you mean!

In other words, you don't pray!

No -Why not?

Don't you believe in such rituals?

I'll tell you the truth

Certain customs of Hinduism, I don't follow...

Science has snapped my beliefs

But that is personal

I can't dream of opposing the faith of someone...

...who worships at the temple and drinks the holy water!

It has been proved that the temple water has bacteria

So I say that to drink holy water at this stage..

...or to drink any water there is dangerous

This is a question of hygiene, not of religion

I insist that the water supply must be purified at once

Then there can be no danger in restoring temple rituals

Do you know how many people drink holy water?

Do you?

I find from the crowd I see at the temple...

...about a thousand!

How many cases of water borne diseases have come to you?

You can't look at it like that! I'm not the only doctor here!

Answer my question!

In the last fortnight, I've treated about 150 patients

Many of them have died

I'm only talking of myself

You must add what other doctors say

Shall we say about 500 in all?

Yes, certainly

In the last fortnight, 15000 have consumed the holy water...

and 500 have fallen ill!

Do you still believe that drinking holy water causes these ailments

We don't believe Dr. Gupta!

Don't speak rubbish, Dr. Gupta. - We will not accept it.

Run. Come on. Come on, run. - Run. Run.

Dr. Gupta, let's get away There's a back door!

Come on. Come on.

Down with Dr. Gupta. - Down with Dr. Gupta.

Dr. Ashok Gupta is a Public Enemy

You can't get out at all!

How can we stay like this

Run away?

What else?

No!

What about the poisonous water?

And my patients?

In this darkest hour....

Shall I run away?

The people won't let you stay here

I can see that, Maya!

I haven't done any wrong

Why must this happen?

Won't the people realize what a mistake they are making?

May I come in?

Come in

Sit down.

I'm sorry this is happening to your house

What can you do?

This is the work of hired hoodlums!

I know.

Tell me...

It's not my task doctor, but...

I will make it easy for you

You want me to leave, right?

I'd never say so myself

You know me.

You've been my tenant for the last 5 years...

...to be honest

I hesitate to say `tenant'

Our relationship doesn't call for such a term!

There has never been any friction between us

You cured my daughter of her illness...

...I'm grateful to you for it, but...

Go on

The neighbours have pressurised me...

They don't want you here

I speak for that

I'm helpless, doctor

I wouldn't say anything to defend you

Is that it?

Yes

All right

Let me see which way to turn...

...then I'll decide what to do

Don't hold it against me

I was left with no choice but to come

My feelings towards you have not changed at all...

...whatever people say!

I sympathies with you

May I leave?

Yes. - Okay, greetings.

How come you're back so early?

I'll tell you

She has been asked to quit

Because she is a daughter of Ashok Gupta.

Isn't it?

Yes.

Lost your job?

5 parents have written that I shouldn't teach anymore

Kamaladi told me

Who liked you so much?

She felt very unhappy

What else could she do?

The committees make the decisions

My job wasn't confirmed yet

Hello.

This is Nishit -Good morning !

I presume I'm no longer in the hospital?

The committee has suspended you...

...and is serving a show cause notice

If you can't answer satisfactorily you'll be dismissed

Thanks!

There's one thing -What?

If you admit your fault, you won't lose your job!

You know very well, that is the last thing I will do

Then let things stand

Very well

What's this?

We have a proposition...

...which could turn you in the public's favour!

Get out!

At once!

Or I'll have you thrown out

What is it?

I have lost!

No more fight left in me!

Did Nishit call?

Your job?

Chandan?

Yes.

Say I can't meet him now!

Ronen was to come!

He has something to tell you

I see.

If it's Ronen, let him in

Because of this wretch...

...you lost everything !

I don't know how to console you

Why do you take it so much to heart?

You have your private practice

There's no better doctor than you in this town!

If need be, I can always private lesson

Surely that will see us through

What's this?

Are you ill?

The way my world is crumbling...

...how can I not be ill?

Biresh had phoned me

He had something to say to you

He hesitated to come alone

Your editor was here a while ago

I sent him away

Not my editor, doctor...

...I'm no longer with Janavarta

What?

Yes.

I'm on my own. Independent!

Really?

Sir let's hear about it

The way Janavarta behaved with you...

I couldn't tolerate it!

And last night's meeting was a farce!

I want to send a report of the meeting to all Calcutta papers

Along with a candidate to be interviewed

But that's....admirable!

It's just what I want!

To let people know my view and judge!

Please get some tea

I am most willing to give an interview....

Call it the Confessions of a Public Enemy!

See what is scrawled outside?

Before the interview starts, may I speak to you?

If you could just go through these proofs

What proofs?

The article you wrote which Janavarta turned down

Ranu had a copy - gave it to me

We're publishing it as a pamphlet!

Distribute it door to door!

I see.

So ... there is hope? -Certainly!

There'll be pure water in the temple again, you'll see

We'll campaign for you, till people come to their senses

I thought ... the ground had slipped under my feet!

The thought of leaving this house

Ranu has no job, I....

Long live Dr.Gupta

Long live Dr.Gupta

Long live Dr.Gupta

Who are they?

They're coming to you

Long live, Dr. Gupta!

Who are they?

My theatre group, and other educated boys and girls

They met last night, and are coming to tell you today...

...that they are behind you!

Hail Dr. Gupta. - Hail.

This is unbelievable!

Long live, Ashok Gupta!

Long live Dr. Gupta

Long live Dr.Gupta

Long live Dr. Gupta - Who are they?

I'm not alone! - Long live Dr. Gupta

I may be a public enemy,

but I have a lot of friends.

We'll stay here, our work is here!

Long live Dr. Gupta

Long live Dr. Gupta

Long live Dr. Gupta