Ek Doctor Ki Maut ★★★★

Aglaplay.com Review of Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990). The movie is is inspired from real life of an Indian doctor in 1980s.

Synopsis

Ek Doctor Ki Maut (Death of a Doctor) is about an Indian doctor who discovers vaccine for a dreaded disease. However, this astonishing feat is looked down upon by his fellow practitioners, government and others. Instead of being praised and honored for the cure, the doctor receives constant humiliation in media and the society.

Now, does the doctor ever attains the recognition that he deserves? Or his findings were indeed worthless as claimed by everyone else? Loosely based on the challenges faced by Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, the movie makes the audience feel the helplessness and dissatisfaction felt by the protagonist.

What works

The top selling point of the movie is its veracity and genuineness. At AglaPlay.com, we always values the detailing and simplicity over the paraphernalia. The movie scores a perfect ten on this aspect. Especially the sets are modest, and fit the background and India of 1980s perfectly. The wardrobe in its plainness and humility adds the feeling of authenticity throughout the movie.

All actors have given an exemplary performance in Ek Doctor Ki Maut. Well, nothing less is expected form a cast of actors like Pankaj Kapoor, Shabana Azmi and Irrfan. The supporting actors also excel – Deppa, Vijeyendra and Anil – everyone leaves a lasting impression with the performances. For example, Vijeyendra dons the expressions to perfection in every shot which shows a financially successful doctor, close family friend, a jealous colleague – all at the same time.

Screenplay and direction is tight. The movie flows easily and effortlessly. This is an attempt to truthfully recreate the reality. Writing and direction of Tapan Sinha ensures that the end product will be remembered for time to come. (Then again, the same element might have negatively impacted the producers financially).

What could have been better

As we mentioned earlier in this article, Ek Doctor Ki Maut movie is a sincere effort to recreate the realities of Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s life. In fact it is ironic that the movie fails exactly where it excels.

Indeed, the story-telling is honest, intense and well-paced. On the other hand, the same sincerity may bore a regular movie watcher, and may make several to stop watching the movie in mid. The movie lacks flashy or over-emotional moments or an ‘attractive’ star-cast. For this reason, it may become tough for average audience to make through the whole movie.

Verdict

Regardless of our reservations due to unostentatious presentation of Ek Doctor Ki Maut, we loved the movie and we believe that most of out readers would agree with our rating of 4 stars for the movie.

In summary, we strongly recommend it to be watched. If not for entertainment, watch it to get an idea of how peer-jealousy, politics and red tape kills innovation, esp. when much of it remains relevant in today’s world as well.

AglaPlay Verdict: Do watch!
AglaPlay Rating: 4.0/5
Language: Hindi
Duration: ~120 minutes
Writer-Director: Tapan Sinha
Cast: Pankaj Kapur, Shabana Azmi, Irrfan & Others
IMDb: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: -
Available On: Epic On

Click here for our other Recommendations !

Dopehri

Dopehri is a novella, written and performed by Pankaj Kapur. This is a story-telling session. The story takes the audience to Lucknow where an old Amma bi lives in solitude with only her house-help Jumman and an old family friend Dr. Saxena as limited company. On the suggestion of the family friend she gets a paying guest in her Haveli. What happens next is a story of transformation for Amma Bi.

The writing and the rendering both are touching and impressive. The characters are very well-developed. Pankaj takes the audience to the old-era Lucknow with his words, helped by music alone. As an audience, you will feel engrossed as if you yourself are there in the haveli, walking on its stairs, experiencing the weather and noise of streets.

AglaPlay Verdict: Must Experience
AglaPlay Rating: 4.5/5
Language: Hindi
Duration: 

Below are a few relevant links. The web links to other reviews are also provided for easy reference. Do note however that the novella is a simple story but has its own twists and turns which should be experienced first-hand. The reviews below (particularly culture bowl) sadly have gone to the extent of summarizing the complete story.

Other Links:
Dopehri Review on The Quint  [spoilers] 
Dopehri Review on Culture Bowl [spoilers]
Dopehri Review on BookMyShow [spoilers]
Dopehri Press Conference Lucknow
Dopehri Novella Buy on Amazon
Pankaj Kapur Wikipedia