🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the chilling 2020 Indian horror film “Bulbbul,” directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Sharma, viewers are transported to the intriguing world of the 1880s Bengal Presidency. The story unfolds in a small village haunted by a dangerous creature known as a chudail (witch), where the harsh reality of exploitation and oppression against women is prevalent.
The narrative follows Bulbbul, a child bride married into a wealthy ‘zamindar’ family at a tender age. Initially struck by a friendship with Satya, she soon realizes she is married to Satya’s sinister elder brother, Indranil, the Thakur, played by Rahul Bose. The Thakur’s twin, Mahendra, who is developmentally challenged, is married to a conniving woman named Binodini, forever resentful of Bulbbul’s position in the household.
As the story progresses, Bulbbul grows into a mysterious woman concealing a painful past, reigning over her household while supernatural murders of men plague the village. The film delves into themes of jealousy, violence, and the supernatural, creating a haunting tale of transformation and revenge.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Rahul Bose, Parambrata Chatterjee, Paoli Dam, Veera Kapur Ee
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Tripti Dimri | Bulbbul Chaudhary, a former child bride who secretly fights against the injustice females face in her village. |
Avinash Tiwary | Satyajeet Thakur |
Varun Buddhadev | Little Satya |
Paoli Dam | Binodini Chaudhary, Mahendra’s widowed wife. |
Rahul Bose | Dual role as twins Thakur Indranil Chaudhary/Mahendra Chaudhary |
Parambrata Chattopadhyay | Dr. Sudip |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Hey there movie buffs! Ready for a mesmerizing journey into the world of Bulbbul? Well, buckle up because this mystical tale is about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through love, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
Picture this: a girl married to an older man, stepping into a Haveli, and two decades later emerging as a respected Thakurayan. Sounds intriguing, right? But hold your horses; there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this cinematic marvel. The performances in Bulbbul have been hailed as top-notch by viewers. Tripti Dimri shines with her acting prowess, supported by Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose, and Parambrata Chatterjee who deliver commendable performances.
- Plot and Themes: The storyline of Bulbbul walks a fine line between drama and supernatural elements. While some may find the mystery predictable, the film manages to weave together a captivating narrative that keeps you hooked till the end.
- Tone: Contrary to expectations of a horror-thriller vibe, Bulbbul leans more towards being an average drama with supernatural undertones. The vivid colors, eerie atmosphere, and haunting music create an ambiance that lingers long after the credits roll.
- Acting and Characters: The standout performances elevate the movie experience. Tripti Dimri’s portrayal of Bulbbul is captivating, drawing viewers into her world effortlessly.
- Cinematography and Production Design: Visually stunning with impressive storytelling techniques, Bulbbul excels in creating a Gothic Horror ambiance that sets it apart from conventional Indian cinema.
- Direction: Director Anvita Dutt’s debut is nothing short of impressive. The stylish direction adds depth to the narrative making it a must-watch for cinephiles.
“Is Bulbbul worth watching?”
If you’re looking for an exploration into Indian feminist storytelling done right – absolutely! Through powerful symbolism and technical brilliance, Bulbbul challenges traditional norms while delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
Binge-watching Tips:
- If you enjoy visually striking films with strong thematic undercurrents,
- If you appreciate nuanced performances that bring characters to life,
- If you’re intrigued by narratives that blend mystery with supernatural elements,
The beauty of Bulbbul lies not just in its storyline but also in its ability to provoke thought and spark conversations on gender equality and societal norms through its mythological parallels.
“How scary is Bulbbul?”
Fear not! While the film may not fall under traditional horror-thriller categories, its eerie atmosphere and stylish direction create an immersive experience that will have you at the edge of your seat without resorting to jump scares or typical horror tropes.
In Conclusion,
Binge-watch Bulbbul for an enchanting blend of drama, mystery, and supernatural elements that will leave you spellbound. With stellar performances and visually arresting cinematography,
The real horror in Bulbul isn’t lurking in shadows; it’s in its thought-provoking narrative that challenges norms and leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
Ratings: 8/10
So grab your popcorn, dim those lights, and get ready to unravel the mysteries of Bulbbul. It’s time for a cinematic experience unlike any other!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Great performances by all actors | Story is predictable |
Unique and well-written storyline | Not a horror/thriller as expected |
Impressive storytelling | Some shots in red light are irritating |
Visually stunning with haunting music | Struggles to hold attention at times |
Powerful symbolism and technical brilliance | Feels incomplete in exploring relationships |
Feedback
-
Bulbbul - Wikipedia
- 24 June 2020
Running time
94 minutes Country India Language Hindi Bulbbulis a 2020 Indian Hindi-language period horror film written and directed by Anvita Dutt. It was produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Ssharma under Clean Slate Filmz and starred Tripti Dimri in the lead role alongside Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay. Tripti Dimri was praised in many reviews. Set against the backdrop of the 1880s Bengal presidency, the film revolves around a child-bride and her journey from innocence to strength.
-
Bulbbul (2020) - IMDb
SPONSOREDA man returns home after years to find his brother’s child bride now grown up and abandoned, and his ancestral village plagued by mysterious deaths.A man returns home after years to find his brother’s child bride now grown up and abandoned, and his ancestral village plagued by mysterious deaths.A man returns home after years to find his brother’s child bride now grown up and abandoned, and his ancestral village plagued by mysterious deaths.
- Awards
- 8 wins & 11 nominations
SPONSOREDSPONSOREDTriptii Dimri
- Bulbbul
- (as Tripti Dimri)
Varun Buddhadev
- Awards
-
Bulbbul | Official Trailer | Tripti Dimri, Rahul Bose, Avinash Tiwary ...
-
Bulbbul | Rotten Tomatoes
BulbbulWhere to WatchBulbbul
Watch Bulbbul with a subscription on Netflix.
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew
Anvita DuttDirectorAvinash TiwarySatyaTriptii DimriBulbbulRahul BoseIndranilPaoli DamBinodiniParambrata ChattopadhyaySudip
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the chilling 2020 Indian horror film “Bulbbul,” directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Ssharma, viewers are transported to the intriguing world of 1880s Bengal Presidency. The story revolves around a small village haunted by a dangerous creature known as a chudail (witch).
The narrative kicks off with the life of a child bride, Bulbbul, who is promised to royalty. The village is depicted as a place plagued by sadistic stereotypes among the male population who exploit and oppress women without remorse. Bulbbul, a 5-year-old, is married off to Indranil, the Bado Thakur (Elder Lord), and befriends Satya, Indranil’s younger brother. The two grow up together in a large mansion, along with Indranil’s mentally challenged twin brother Mahendra and his wife, Binodini.
As Bulbbul and Satya mature, Indranil becomes suspicious of their bond and sends Satya away to London, leaving Bulbbul heartbroken. Flashbacks reveal how Binodini manipulates Indranil into believing that Bulbbul still loves Satya, leading to a tragic turn of events. Indranil brutally assaults Bulbbul, maiming her feet with an iron rod, and Mahendra rapes her, resulting in her accidental death. However, she returns transformed, with a mission to seek justice for oppressed women, empowered by the goddess Kali.
In the present day, Satya returns after twenty years to find the estate transformed. Indranil has left, leaving Bulbbul in charge, while Mahendra dies under mysterious circumstances that appear to be a witch’s doing. Binodini now resides in an outhouse.
The climax unfolds as Satya suspects the village doctor, Sudip, of recent murders. During a confrontation, the real chudail is revealed to be Bulbbul herself. In a chaotic moment, Bulbbul tries to escape the turmoil but meets her end in flames, with Satya realizing her true nature too late.
The film fast-forwards to the future, with Indranil returning to the deserted estate. Satya, burdened by guilt and not wanting to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, leaves. That night, Indranil witnesses Bulbbul’s spirit emerging, hinting at a final act of retribution, emphasizing that her quest for justice is ongoing.
“Bulbbul” delves into the theme of justice through a supernatural lens, challenging societal norms. The symbolic and mystical ending encourages viewers to contemplate the impact of abuse and the resilience of those who rise against it.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
This movie is rated R for strong violence, disturbing content, and thematic elements.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that “Bulbbul” contains intense and dark themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. The movie features two rape scenes which are very disturbing, as well as a scene where a man severely beats his wife with a fireplace poker. While these scenes are not very graphic, they are intense and can be emotionally challenging to watch.
Additionally, the film includes themes of supernatural murders, mystery, and a young woman’s journey from innocence to strength. There is also some violence and gore throughout the movie.
Due to the heavy and disturbing content, it is recommended that only mature audiences, preferably adults, watch “Bulbbul.” Parents should exercise caution and consider the sensitive nature of the themes depicted in the film before allowing teenagers or young adults to view it.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
Netflix | You can watch ‘Bulbbul’ on Netflix with a subscription. The movie is available on Netflix basic with Ads. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Bulbbul takes us back to the India of the 19th century—where young girls were married to older men, the Bengali high class were to maintain their reputation and secrets maintained behind the tall halls, and folklore was much believed in.
Like its intriguing protagonist, there's more to Bulbbul, than meets the eye.
Bulbbul is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language period horror film written and directed by Anvita Dutt.
The plot of the film. The film opens with a five-year-old girl Bulbbul (Tripti Dimri) getting married to a fully grown adult Bade Thakur, Indranil (Rahul Bose) in the Bengal presidency of 1881.
Dutt was drawn to a time almost a century ago because she wanted Bulbbul to feel unearthly; 'a world that would have mysticism and myths as an everyday part of the fabric,' she says.
The most striking quality about Bulbbul is Siddharth Dewan's cinematography and Meenal Agarwal's imposing production design, both blending seamlessly to create a world that seems to rest at the intersection of reality and fantasy.
Bulbbul is a heart wrenching tale of the wrongs that women have been subjected to—the assault, sexual abuse and the domestic violence.
Tracing back, we see Satyajit Ray's Charulata—a young bride's lonesome life at home as her husband goes about his publishing house, how she busies herself, and also a trace of Rabindranath Tagore's Chokher Bali—with the identical daak naam refer to Bodo Bou, thaku moshai, Binodini didi and some what similar relationships among the brothers and their wives, this film strongly narrates a similar tale of love, unjust, evil and power.
Bulbbul takes us back to the India of the 19th century—where young girls were married to older men, the Bengali high class were to maintain their reputation and secrets maintained behind the tall halls, and folklore was much believed in.
The mansions are decorated, the brides dressed up from head to toe, the long black hair and the aura of a thakurian.
The sound of payal and the classic moonlit angan with a center located fountain as the meeting point.
The high class thakur, draping their shawl, strongly identifying to London, busy with their own business, and often married to wives, sitting idly, trapped in their haveli.
The name, Bulbbul is often coupled with innocence of the bird and the mythology used it for princesses shut away in remote castles.
Bulbbul's (Tripti Dimri) wedding brings her and Satya (Avinash Tiwary) together, who are of the same age.
They narrate and weave stories together, and he helps her settle into her new house, a seven-year old's sasural.
The two become friends—playing around, climbing trees in the forest, they later develop a love interest.
Bulbbul's husband, Indranil, eldest Thakur (Rahul Bose) is powerful, strict and evil, he is the patriarch of the house—scared to lose control.
He is shown as the one who everyone obeys, and is never questioned neither obstructed.
The others are secondary to him, his decisions are final and his anger is destructive.
He is entitled to his position and represents the ultimate evil patriarchal figure.
He has a mentally retarded twin brother (also Rahul Bose), who is to be kept in control, and is yet entitled to his status.
The doctor is the safe haven of the violated Bulbbul, the one that knows the evils.
He helps her revenge the wrong, he aids her empowerment.
There are times when women become their own enemy and other times when they pledge to protect their own.
Binodini (Paoli Dam) is the representation of the woman succumbed to patriarchal structure of society and has adjusted to the circumstances to be who she is today.
Her tragedy too is of violence and misery—unfulfilled promises and tied to a man who she never was able to called her beloved.
Binodini didi plays a massive role in Bulbbul's destruction and also her an aid to her dying soul.
The characters are strong and have their own role to play.
This is a saga of love but more of the violence that women have been subjected to over the years.
The imagery is powerful and traumatizing.
Thakur moshai heinously wounds his wife's feet for a suspicious romance and the trauma returns when the mentally disabled twin rapes the life out of Bulbbul.
The dark ambiance and the slow and steady camera is able to wrench the heart for the woman.
The elongated rape sequence lets the suffering settle in.
It is often said that a woman has nothing to lose once her honor is stolen.
Here too, she now lives for revenge and to protect her own sex.
The film depicts who women have been a subject to monstrous men, treated as objects and traded as dolls.
The ritual of child marriage and the consequences it brings along.
How women have been left alone to survive the wrongs, mostly silently.
The metaphor of the doll is stretched with the twin's constant plea to play with him and the eventual parallel of her rape with the doll lying lifeless of the floor.
The pain in Bulbbul's smile is evidently hollow, and the open hair has often metaphoric with power, or perhaps evil power.
Red, the color of love and blood,the film starts with a red sky, the plague that has dawn the forest and town,the 'chudail' is on a hunt but never did the men know that she killed the evil, not the innocent.
🤖Bulbbul Reddit Talks
- Themes of feminism, child marriage, jealousy, patriarchy, love, and friendship are explored in the supernatural thriller Bulbbul.
- The film follows Bulbbul, a young woman who lives alone at home after her husband is killed.
- Bulbbul is a complex and well-developed character, and her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
- The film is beautifully shot and the acting is superb.
- However, some viewers have criticized the film for its slow pace and lack of action.
- Overall, Bulbbul is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is sure to stay with you long after you watch it.
Here are some specific examples of the topics that are discussed on Reddit in relation to Bulbbul:
- The film’s depiction of child marriage is particularly harrowing, and it has sparked a lot of discussion about the issue.
- Bulbbul’s relationship with her brother-in-law is also a complex and controversial one.
- Some viewers have praised the film for its feminist message, while others have criticized it for being too heavy-handed.
- The film’s ending is also a source of debate, with some viewers finding it satisfying and others finding it too ambiguous.
Overall, Bulbbul is a film that has generated a lot of discussion and debate on Reddit. It is a complex and challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one. If you are looking for a film that will make you think, then Bulbbul is definitely worth checking out.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/BollyBlindsNGossip/comments/hfwczg/bulbbulcan_someone_please_explain/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/191bti9/finally_watched_bulbbul_2020/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/zcr4jw/bulbbul_questions/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/17g3go6/just_watched_bulbul_2020_and/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/BollyBlindsNGossip/comments/hezvo4/bulbbul_negative_reviews_galore_an_example_of_how/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story behind Bulbbul?
During the 19th century in a village in Bengal Presidency, Bulbbul is married off to Indranil, a wealthy lord, when she is barely five years old. She grows up with Satya, Indranil’s youngest brother, and as they grow older, they share stories of a witch (“chudail”).
What is Bulbbul movie based on?
Bulbbul is a horror story centered around a child bride named Bulbbul who faces mental and physical torture from her husband, Indranil Thakur, leading to jealousy and violence.
Who is the demon in Bulbbul?
In Bulbbul, the narrative incorporates the ‘chudail’ or demon-woman story from the beginning, portraying a demon-woman as a symbol of fear and desire. The demon-woman is intertwined with Bulbbul’s journey.
Is Bulbbul a feminist movie?
Through mythological parallels, powerful symbolism, and technical brilliance, Bulbbul elevates gender equality discourse, challenging traditional norms and narratives. It’s an exploration of Indian feminist storytelling at its finest.
What is the ending of Bulbbul movie?
The movie concludes with Satya realizing Bulbbul’s true nature, witnessing her demise in flames. As the story progresses, Indranil returns to his now-deserted estate, leaving Satya guilt-ridden about his actions towards Bulbbul.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Tumbbad: A visually stunning Indian horror film that explores greed and superstition.
- Pari: An Indian supernatural horror film with a gripping storyline.
- Veronica: A Spanish horror film that follows a series of terrifying events after a seance.
- Castle Rock: A supernatural thriller series based on the works of Stephen King.
- Hush: A suspenseful thriller about a deaf writer fighting for her life against a masked intruder.
- Scream: A classic horror movie that revitalized the slasher genre in the 90s.
- Sinister: A chilling horror film about a true crime writer who discovers a box of disturbing home movies.