Dying Art Of The Bohurupis Of Bengal to discuss the preservation of polymorphism

Rajaditya Banerjee’s documentary film Dying Art Of The Bohurupis Of Bengal deals with the lives of the nearly extinct polymorphic artistes of the region.

An Indo-Finnish collaboration, the film will showcase both the art of polymorphism and the lives of the artistes through the insights of legendary Bohurupis like Subol Das Boiragya, Ravi Pandeet, Rajendra Byadh and Bhanu Bajikar.

The film will not only speak about the art that has evolved through the ages in India as well as in other parts of the world, but will also highlight the ups and downs of the artistes who face several challenges to earn their livelihood through this traditional art form.

By delineating the history of polymorphism shaped through social behaviour, religious practice and cultural evolution, Banerjee has also focused on depicting the present degradation of the art form in an experimental manner through his film.

"This documentary film is highly original and experimental as well," the filmmaker said. "The film will speak for the marginalized and neglected polymorphic artistes of West Bengal, It will also discuss the importance of preserving this deteriorating art form. The earnest efforts of my cinematographers {Tanmay Karmakar, Nayan Talukdar and Giridhari Garai] and of my editor and colourist [Sumanta Sarkar] have added a unique touch to the film.”

The teaser for the documentary offers glimpses of the polymorphic artistes performing in the interiors of the state in villages, trains, and social and religious gatherings. Along with the visuals, the background score, based on Bengal’s folk music, assures originality of the content.

Banerjee is known for his film Death Certificate (2017), the most acclaimed of his Death trilogy. He has also made several documentaries, including Waterwala, Lost For Words, Death Of Death (2017) and One Day In India (2017).

Presented by Insomnia Movies, Banerjee has dedicated the film to his father, writer Debashis Bandopadhyay, and to his elder brother and noted filmmaker Bappaditya Banerjee.

Watch the teaser below and let us know if you would like to watch this documentary.