The ‘drishti bommai’ is a special talisman shaped like a demon’s face. It is used in South India to ward off evil. Now, a new documentary called Drishti Bommai: Reviving the Tradition tells its story. The 20-minute film is made by the Karur-based VNC Group through its Indicus paint brand and social platform, Indicus Crossection. It is available on YouTube. The film is written and directed by S. Saravana Siddharth. Gokul Basker, partner of VNC Group, said to The Hindu, “We chose this subject to highlight the art that has evolved over time without any particular philosophy or stylistic rule book.” He added, “The ‘drishti bommai’ has been interpreted through wall paintings, dolls, on the face of pumpkins, and even as masks.” The documentary shows how the lives of artists who create drishti bommai art are affected by urbanisation and fewer people supporting them. It explains the deep beliefs about the ‘drishti’ or evil eye and how early human fears found expression in these objects and rituals. Experts like historian Pradeep Chakravarthy, artist Chandru Gurusamy, and architect Gowri Adappa share their views on the importance of the drishti bommai. The film features artists from Arani and Sivagangai talking about their designs. It also shows unique versions like rice-flour figures on brick kilns and a fertility figurine that protects against envy and the evil eye. Due to modern tastes, artists who once specialized in drishti bommai art now face less work. Mr. Basker mentioned plans to work with Rotary Clubs in the area to teach children this art. He said, “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.” The documentary aims to keep this colorful tradition alive for future generations.