Set in the contentious 1950s, E-Flat is Ritwik Ghatak's innovatively filmed critique of both the radical theatre of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and of the partition of Bengal. The plot is structured around the rivalry of two radical theatre groups. One is lead by Bhrigu, the other by Shanta. Shanta's niece, Anusuya, participates in Bhrigu's work to the disapproval of her own group. When the two groups join together for a production, Shanta deliberately sabotages it. Bhrigu and Anusuya discover they are both refugees separated from their country and they fall in love. Eventually Anusuya, who is to marry Samar and move to France, decides to stay with Bhrigu. The film caused a major political controversy in Bengal, apparently prompting Ghatak to look for work outside the state.