Experiencing Interruptions?

Jatra Pala, The Echoes of an Open Stage.

"Jatra Pala” explores Bengal’s beloved folk theatre that is facing extinction in the modern era. Veterans recall lantern-lit nights of cultural glory, lamenting its decline, while a new wave, led by Kakoli Chowdhury, Anal Chakraborty, and fresh talents, fights digital dominance. This heartfelt documentary captures a resilient art form’s struggle, spirit, and enduring place in Bengal’s soul. It's a story of an ancient voice that gave birth to all art forms in India.

  • Arghya Mukherjee
    Director
  • Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
    Producer
  • Ashim Kumar
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Bela Sarkar
    Key Cast
    "As Herself"
  • Anal Chakraborty
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Kakoli Chowdhury
    Key Cast
    "As herself"
  • Anik Banerjee
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Tapas Chatterjee
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Animesh Bhattacharya
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Biman Sen
    Key Cast
    "As Himself"
  • Nishant Kumar Nishu
    Editor
  • Cosmos Tete
    Cinematographer
  • Aashish Saikia
    Sound Recordist
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 7, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Bengali
  • Shooting Format:
    DIGITAL
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - SATYAJIT RAY FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE
  • KOLKATA
    India
    November 8, 2025
    31st Kolkata International film festival
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Arghya Mukherjee

Arghya Mukherjee, a student in Direction and Producing at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, transitioned from engineering to pursue his passion for storytelling through documentaries. He has collaborated with Voice of America and TOSS Jaipur on projects like Mud Eyes (2022) and The Saree Story (2023). Recently, under acclaimed filmmaker Paban Kumar Haobam, he directed the film Waterborne, alongside multiple short films during his SRFTI journey.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker and coming from a family of Jatra Artists, I was drawn to Jatra not only as a performance, but as the heartbeat of Bengal’s cultural identity. Through this film, I wanted to capture both the nostalgia of its golden age and the resilience of today’s practitioners fighting for its survival amidst digital distractions. “Jatra Pala” is my tribute to an art form that refuses to die, reminding us that heritage evolves only when reimagined by new voices.