Ray adapts the play to an Indian setting: a flourishing township in which a temple attracts devotees as well as tourists.

When a health problem is discovered, Dr Ashok Gupta, played by Soumitra Chatterjee, finds his popularity flagging.

[1] Ashoke Gupta, played by Soumitra Chatterjee, an honest doctor, diagnoses the alarming spread of jaundice among his patients.

As a responsible member of society, the doctor tries to broadcast the fact of contamination to the people, proposing temporary closure of the temple for water purification.

The young educated population of the town sides with him while his son-in-law's theatre troupe campaigns for him.

The assistant editor of Janabarta quits his job to side with him and send his writing and interview to top newspapers in Kolkata.