Private Project

Purulia Chhau Dance and the Mask Makers: A Reflective Story

Purulia Chhau Dance and the Mask Makers: A Reflective Story is a documentary by Dr. Vikrant Kishore, documenting his two-decade connection with the Chhau culture of Purulia, India. Using video and photographs from the 1980s to 2024, the film explores the heritage of Purulia Chhau, a martial dance drama inspired by mythological tales and accompanied by distinct rituals. It follows the lives of mask makers Jaggu and Somu Sutradhar, showing how their village of Choridah preserves this art form through talent and dedication, with minimal external support. The community's ability to adapt is shown as they face modern influences and the rise of the internet.

The film also explores the role of women in Chhau, as they begin to take part as mask makers and dancers. It honours the legacy of Nepal Chandra Sutradhar, a master mask maker posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2024, and pays tribute to the efforts of Dr. Kishore’s parents in promoting Purulia Chhau.

Additionally, Dr. Kishore reflects on his Indian-Australian identity and how sharing the richness of his cultural heritage contributes to establishing a sense of identity in Australia. the documentary raises a key question: can Chhau endure the pressures of modernity and online influence, or will it transform into something unrecognisable?

  • Vikrant Kishore
    Director
  • Vikrant Kishore
    Writer
  • Vikrant Kishore
    Producer
  • Kirti Sehrawat
    Producer
  • Jaggu Sutradhar
    Key Cast
  • Somu Sutradhar
    Key Cast
  • Dolly Ganguly
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 11 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia, China, France, India
  • Language:
    Bengali, English, Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Vikrant Kishore

Dr. Vikrant Kishore is a filmmaker, academic, journalist, and photographer. He serves as an Associate Professor of International Communications at the University of Nottingham, China, and is an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, Australia. His scholarly contributions include authoring and editing books on Indian cinema, celebrity culture, and intangible cultural heritage. Dr. Kishore has contributed/worked with prominent media outlets such as ABC, SBS, Channel 7 in Australia, and Zee News and Zee TV in India. He is dedicated to integrating traditional cultural practices with new media technologies to archive and create digital exhibitions. As a filmmaker and a practice-based researcher, Dr. Kishore has worked on over 30 creative projects, encompassing film festival curation, podcasts, vodcasts, and documentary productions.

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Director Statement

"Purulia Chhau Dance and the Mask Makers: A Reflective Story" is a project close to my heart, born out of more than 20 years of work and commitment to the Chhau culture of Purulia. My journey began as a student under the guidance of Padma Shri Nepal Mahato and Lalit Mahato, and over time, it has evolved into a lifelong endeavour to document and share the unique heritage of Purulia Chhau.

Chhau dance, along with the remarkable craft of mask making, remains underrepresented and marginalised in the broader cultural narrative. This film seeks to give the Chhau dancers and the mask makers, especially those from the village of Choridah, the recognition they deserve for their talent, skill, and dedication to keeping this tradition alive.

The documentary also pays homage to my parents, Vijoy Kishore and Mira Kishore, who dedicated their lives to promoting and preserving the Purulia Chhau tradition. It captures the spirit, challenges, and ongoing efforts of the Chhau artists and mask makers to sustain their cultural heritage in today's changing world.