Purulia Chhau Dance and the Mask Makers: A Reflective Story

"Purulia Chhau Dance and the Mask Makers: A Reflective Story" is a documentary by filmmaker Dr. Vikrant Kishore, chronicling his two-decade-long engagement with the Chhau culture of Purulia, India. Utilising video and photographic materials on Chhau from the 1980s till 2024, the film explores the rich heritage of Purulia Chhau, a martial dance drama rooted in mythological stories, along with the accompanying rituals that define this art form. Through the story of father and son mask makers, Jaggu and Somu Sutradhar, it brings to light the lives of traditional artisans from Choridah village. This community represents an alternate rural infrastructure in India—one that thrives on talent, hard work, and dedication, preserving cultural heritage with minimal external support. Their ability to adapt is shown as they respond to changes brought by modern influences and the arrival of the internet.