An Enemy of the People

This film is an adaptation of the play by Henrik Ibsen. The action occurs in Chandipur, in Bengal, in the same place where the events of Devi unfolded. Dr. Gupta, a general practitioner, is personally convinced that the holy water of the temple is the source of the epidemic that is rampant in the region. He warns his brother Nisith, a city official, who refuses to close the temple in order to repair the water mains. Bhargava, the businessman who had the temple built, backs Nisith. Dr. Gupta wants to write an article in order to alert the populace to the dangers of contamination. Fearing adverse public opinion, the editor rejects it. The doctor organizes a meeting, which is sabotaged. He is decreed a heretic and a public enemy.