Komal Gandhar, a film by Ritwik Ghatak

Komal Gandhar, known internationally as A Soft Note on a Sharp Scale, or in the UK as E-Flat, was introduced into the romantic drama category of Indian cinema in the year 1961. This film noire piece, set originally in the Bengali language, West Bengal, India was directed by Ritwik Ghatak.

The film Komal Gandhar portrays a maverick’s vision of uniting Bengal. This dream gave birth to the Permanent Settlement Act, a number of famines, and a new popular culture by the name of Gentoo. This new culture soon fell apart on August the 15th 1947 after the harsh blow was dealt with the onslaught of the Indian partition. Although anyone disassociated with the cultures and tales of Bengal will feel out of the loop when it comes to understanding the film, the general theme of love and unity can be appreciated by all.

Throughout the film Ritwik shows his enthusiasm for optimism, but also shows that success and happiness come through treacherous paths. He shows that not only is union violent and a necessity, but it can only be reached through listening to one's heart.

This film stars Bengali actors Gyanesh Mukherjee, Bijon Bhattacharya, and Anil Chatterjee.

Komal Gandhar was produced, directed, and written by Ritwik Ghatak, edited by Ramesh Joshi, with cinematography by Dilip Rajan Mukherjee and an original soundtrack by Jyotirindra Moitra.