Documentary explores artistic legacy of ‘drishti bommai’

The ‘drishti bommai’, a talisman in the form of a demon’s face that is commonly used in South India to ward off evil, is the subject of a documentary that explores the history and evolving nature of the folk art.

Produced by the Karur-based VNC Group, through its Indicus brand of paints and social platform ‘Indicus Crossection’, Drishti Bommai: Reviving the Tradition, is a 20-minute film that is available to view on YouTube. It is written and directed by S. Saravana Siddharth.

A scene from Drishti Bommai: Reviving the Tradition
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“We chose this subject to highlight the art that has evolved over time without any particular philosophy or stylistic rule book. The ‘drishti bommai’ has been interpreted through wall paintings, dolls, on the face of pumpkins, and even as masks. We wanted to show how the life of the artists who draw these figures is getting affected by the spread of urbanisation and lack of patronage,” Gokul Basker, partner, VNC Group, told The Hindu.

The film explains some of the deep psychological and social roots of belief in ‘drishti’ (evil eye) and how humanity’s early struggles for survival and primal fears found expression in objects, patterns, and rituals that gave comfort and meaning to existence.

Historian Pradeep Chakravarthy, Chandru Gurusamy, artist and retired principal of the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, and architect Gowri Adappa comment on the philosophical and figurative importance of the ‘Drishti Bommai’ in Southern India in the film. Artists from Arani and Sivagangai have been interviewed about their design ethos.

A scene from Drishti Bommai: Reviving the Tradition
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

It also showcases some variations of the talisman such as the rice-flour figures drawn on brick kilns before they are fired up, and a figurine that symbolises fertility while seeking protection against envy and the ‘evil eye.’

The artists who used to specialise in drawing the ‘drishti bommai’ are now facing a dearth of work due to changing tastes. “We are planning to collaborate with the Rotary Clubs in the region to hold classes for children with the drishti bommai artists as mentors, in order to preserve their skills for posterity,” said Mr. Basker.