Bagha Nacha*, a vibrant folk art from Odisha, showcases dancers painted like tigers. Chitra, a 20-year-old girl from Olab village, odisha carries forward her family’s legacy despite societal challenges. Trained by her father, Ghana, in this male-dominated tradition, she defies norms to preserve her heritage.
Raised amidst the jungle's stories, Chitra develops a deep love for nature, further fueled by a childhood encounter with poachers that ignites her passion for wildlife protection. As a skilled *Bagha Nacha* dancer, she performs alongside her father and troupe members Mahua and Lakha, navigating personal tensions and societal expectations.
Her life takes a pivotal turn during a performance for a forest officer, Ranjan Babu, when she experiences her first menstruation. This event leads her grandmother to pressure her into abandoning dance. However, Ghana supports her unwavering determination, and Chitra boldly confronts gender restrictions, preparing for Durga puja festival(dedicated to Goddess Durga).
Combining *Bagha Nacha* with conservation awareness, Chitra gains recognition for spreading messages about forest protection through performances and street plays. Her journey intensifies when Lakha, driven by jealousy, endangers her and her father during a Jatra performance. Chitra’s courage shines as she saves her father, confronts Lakha, and channels the spirit of Durga Mata in a transformative moment.
A year later, Chitra leads a troupe of village girls, symbolizing her triumph over adversity and her commitment to tradition. Her story of resilience, courage, and dedication ensures the legacy of *Bagha Nacha* lives on, inspiring her community and future generations.
Director: RANGASHOOR(ODIA LANGUAGE).. My first debut directional film. last 25years & still continue as DOP, Mumbai and worked in different languages of india details giving below..
AS DOP:
DIPLOMA IN CINEMATOGRAPHY FROM BIJU PATTNAIK FILM &TV INSTITUTE OF ODISHA (1997-2001)
Odisha state award for best cinematographer for film: Paika Bidhroha (2019), Daman(2023)
AS DIRECTOR
Odia Film - RANGASHOOR(2025)
AS DOP
Hindi films - Halka, , Bal Naren, Kori - Ek Prem Katha,Pad gaye pange
Odia films - Rangashoor, Agastya, Baby, Kabula Barabula, 4 idiots, Toka ta pashi gala re, Love express, Biju Babu, Mr. Kanheiya, Mu Pardesi chadie, Queen, Bapa tu ma bhari dusta
Bengali films - The Royal Bengal Tiger, Glamour, Toka ta paiso galo.
Gujarati films :-
Hu tu tu tu, Duniyadari, Satam Aattam
Marathi Film:-
Bunty Bundle Baaza
AS Associate DOP
MS DHONI, BABY, JODI BREAKERS, BAJATEY RAHO 
The New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) is the oldest, most prestigious film festival screening premieres of feature, documentary and
short films made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the Independent, arthouse, alternate and diaspora genres.
