Watch Ek Doctor Ki Maut

Ek Doctor Ki Maut is a 1990 Indian drama film directed by Tapan Sinha. The film stars Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Kapur, and Irrfan Khan in lead roles. It is loosely based on the life of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, a physician from West Bengal who became the first person to successfully conceive a child through in vitro fertilization, but received little recognition for his achievement.

The film revolves around Dr. Roy (Pankaj Kapur), a reluctant genius who has been working on a vaccine for leprosy for years but is unable to get it approved by the government. His frustration and disillusionment with the medical establishment grow as he faces hostility from his peers and bureaucracy. He is urged to publish his findings in a foreign journal, but he is reluctant to do so as he believes that it is his duty to use his achievements for the benefit of his people.

Dr. Roy's wife, Sudha (Shabana Azmi) is a biochemist who supports her husband's work and understands his frustrations. His friend and fellow scientist, Dr. Mitra (Irrfan Khan) is a supportive colleague who works with him on the vaccine project. Dr. Roy's unconventional methods and his reluctance to follow established protocols make him unpopular among his peers, and he is subjected to constant scrutiny and criticism.

Dr. Roy's life takes a tragic turn when he is accused of medical malpractice after one of his patients dies. He is suspended from his job and is faced with a public trial that threatens to destroy his reputation and career. His colleagues turn against him, and his supporters are few and far between. Sudha stands by him, and Dr. Mitra is his only hope of clearing his name.

As the trial progresses, Dr. Roy's health deteriorates rapidly. He is diagnosed with cancer and realizes that he has little time left. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the medical establishment and begins to question his work and its value. He becomes convinced that his vaccine will never be approved, and that his life's work has been in vain.

The film is a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by scientists in India, especially those working in the public sector. It highlights the bureaucratic hurdles, the lack of funding, and the cut-throat competition that plague the field. It also shows the disinterest of the government and society towards scientific research and innovation, and the apathy shown towards scientists who dedicate their lives to research.

The performances in the film are remarkable, especially that of Pankaj Kapur who portrays the character of Dr. Roy with depth and nuance. Shabana Azmi as Sudha is understated but effective, and her chemistry with Pankaj Kapur is a joy to watch. Irrfan Khan's portrayal of Dr. Mitra is also noteworthy.

The film's cinematography is simple but effective, and it captures the mood of the film without being overbearing. The dialogues are well written, and the film's pacing is excellent.

Overall, Ek Doctor Ki Maut is a well-made film that sheds light on the struggles of scientists in India. It is a poignant commentary on the state of research and innovation in the country and is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of Indian scientists.