Bulbul Can Sing (Movie)

Title — Bulbul Can Sing
Available on — Netflix, Plex
Production Country — India
Release Date — 2018
Exploring their sexual identities in the face of the patriarchal rules of their Assamese village, a teenager and her two friends are rocked by tragedy.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

“Bulbul Can Sing”

Directed, written, produced, and cinematographed by Rima Das, “Bulbul Can Sing” is a poignant coming-of-age drama that delves into the lives of three teenagers navigating the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery in rural Assam, India.

The story follows Bulbul, a teenage girl, along with her friends Bonny and Suman, as they grapple with the challenges of adolescence and the societal constraints imposed upon them. As they confront their evolving sexual identities, they find themselves at odds with their conservative community, leading to a journey of self-realization and empowerment.

Set against the backdrop of lush green farms and twilit landscapes, the film captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of individuality in the face of oppression. Through the trials and tribulations they face, Bulbul and her friends undergo a transformation that ultimately helps them see the world with newfound clarity and perspective.

With a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, “Bulbul Can Sing” paints a moving portrait of youth, resilience, and the power of finding one’s voice in a society that seeks to silence it. The film’s evocative storytelling and authentic performances make it a compelling exploration of the human experience and the universal quest for identity and belonging.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Arnali Das, Manoranjan Das, Banita Thakuriya, Manabendra Das, Deepjyoti Kalita, Pakija Begum

Movie Casting:

  • Arnali Das as Bulbul
  • Banita Thakuriya as Bonnie
  • Manoranjan Das as Suman
  • Manabendra Das
  • Pakija Begam

💬 Reviews and feedback

Hey there movie buffs! Have you ever watched a film that tugs at your heartstrings, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling long after the credits roll? Well, if you haven’t, then “Bulbul Can Sing” is the perfect movie to experience this rollercoaster of emotions.

Imagine a movie that is like a delicate melody, soothing yet haunting, with performances that hit you right in the feels. “Bulbul Can Sing” is precisely that—a beautiful and tragic tale of adolescence, love, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of rural India.

Plot and Themes:

The film follows the lives of three teenagers—Bulbul, Bonny, and Suman—as they navigate the complexities of growing up in a small village. Rima Das, the director, does a phenomenal job in capturing the essence of youth and the struggles that come with it. From love and friendship to societal expectations and personal identity, “Bulbul Can Sing” delves deep into these themes with grace and authenticity.

Acting and Characters:

The performances in this movie are nothing short of remarkable. The actors breathe life into their characters, making them feel relatable and genuine. Bulbul’s journey from innocence to introspection is portrayed beautifully on screen, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Direction and Cinematography:

Rima Das’s direction deserves applause for its simplicity yet profound storytelling. The picturesque countryside serves as a stunning backdrop for the characters’ emotional journey. The cinematography captures both the beauty and harshness of rural life with equal finesse.

Production Design and Special Effects:

The production design creates an immersive experience, transporting viewers to the heart of rural India. The attention to detail in depicting everyday life adds depth to the narrative. While there are no flashy special effects in this film, its rawness is what makes it truly captivating.

  • Binge-watching Tip: Watch this movie with friends or family to have deep conversations about its themes afterward.

Pace and Editing:

The pacing of “Bulbul Can Sing” is deliberate yet engaging. Each scene unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters. The editing seamlessly weaves together different moments in the characters’ lives, creating a cohesive narrative that lingers even after the movie ends.

Dialogues and Score:

The dialogues are poignant and reflective of the characters’ inner turmoil. They add layers to the storytelling, making conversations feel authentic and impactful. The score complements the mood of the film perfectly, enhancing key moments with its evocative melodies.

Overall Impression:

“Bulbul Can Sing” is a cinematic gem that shines bright with its heartfelt storytelling and stellar performances. It’s a coming-of-age tale that resonates deeply with viewers, reminding us of our own journey through youth and self-discovery.

So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in this poignant masterpiece that will leave you pondering long after it’s over!

Rating: 9/10

In conclusion: “Bulbul Can Sing” isn’t just a movie; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that takes you on a journey through love, loss, friendship, and self-realization. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates soul-stirring cinema!

Pros Cons
Beautiful and sweet portrayal Darker vision towards the end
Genuine and powerful performances Evaporation of carefreeness
Pleasing simplicity and realism Quiet and restrained storytelling
Naturalistic and intimate drama Negotiation and conflict may get overwhelming
Coming-of-age tale with ethnographic detail Story may have a slow pace

Feedback

  • Bulbul Can Sing - Wikipedia

    Bulbul Can Singis a 2018 Indian Assamese language drama film directed by Rima Das. It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. The film centres on three teenagers trying to come to terms with their sexual identities. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese at India’s 66th National Film Awards.

  • Bulbul Can Sing (2018) - IMDb

    SPONSOREDExploring their sexual identities in the face of the patriarchal rules of their Assamese village, a teenager and her two friends are rocked by tragedy.Exploring their sexual identities in the face of the patriarchal rules of their Assamese village, a teenager and her two friends are rocked by tragedy.Exploring their sexual identities in the face of the patriarchal rules of their Assamese village, a teenager and her two friends are rocked by tragedy.

    • Awards
      • 10 wins & 8 nominations

    SPONSORED

    • Director
    • Writer
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    7.8Ravening

  • Bulbul Can Sing | Rotten Tomatoes

    Bulbul Can SingWhere to WatchBulbul Can Sing

    Watch Bulbul Can Sing with a subscription on Netflix.

    Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew

    Rima DasDirectorPakija BegamActorArnali DasActorManabendra DasActorManoranjan DasActorBonita ThakuriyaActor

    More Like ThisPhotosBulbul Can SingMovie Info

    • Director
    • Rima Das
    • Screenwriter
    • Rima Das
    • Genre
    • Drama
    • Original Language
    • Hindi
    • Release Date (Streaming)
    • Jan 15, 2020
    • Runtime
    • 1h 35m
  • 'Bulbul Can Sing' Review - The Hollywood Reporter

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    Rima Das’ three feature films are connected by a powerful thread: their setting, her native village of Kalardiya in the Indian state of Assam. Like writer R. K. Narayan, who set his stories in the fictional South Indian village of Malgudi, Das draws her inspiration from real-life people and places, but turns their lives into compelling fiction. Her new film,Bulbul Can Sing,has a pleasing simplicity and realism. It uses the countryside as the stage on which to dramatize the story of three teenagers searching for their identity, focusing on one girl in particular whose clash with traditional rules of behavior leaves her shaken.

  • Bulbul Can Sing | Official Trailer | Rima Das - YouTube

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the movie “Bulbbul,” directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Ssharma, viewers are taken on a journey to the 1880s Bengal Presidency, where a small village is haunted by a dangerous creature known as a chudail (witch). The story revolves around the life of Bulbbul, a child bride promised to royalty, and the harsh reality of the village plagued by oppressive stereotypes and exploitation of women.

The plot follows Bulbbul, a 5-year-old married off to Indranil, the Elder Lord, where she befriends Satya, Indranil’s younger brother. As they grow up together, Indranil suspects Bulbbul’s feelings for Satya and sends him away to London, leaving Bulbbul heartbroken. Flashbacks reveal the tragic events where Bulbbul is brutally beaten and maimed by Indranil, then raped by Mahendra, leading to her accidental death and subsequent resurrection with a mission to seek justice for oppressed women.

In the present day, Satya returns after twenty years to find Bulbbul in charge, Indranil gone, Mahendra dead from a supposed witch attack, and Binodini living in an outhouse. The climax unfolds as Satya confronts the village doctor, Sudip, suspecting him of recent murders. As they journey to Calcutta, the real chudail, revealed to be Bulbbul, strikes, leading to a fiery confrontation where Satya witnesses Bulbbul’s demise.

The movie concludes with Indranil returning to the deserted estate, haunted by Bulbbul’s spirit emerging from the embers, hinting at her ongoing quest for justice. The film explores justice through a supernatural lens, challenging societal norms and highlighting the resilience of those who fight against abuse. The ending, rich in symbolism and mystique, leaves viewers pondering the impact of abuse and the strength of those who rise above it.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating and Parental Guide:

Age Recommendation: Bulbul Can Sing is a coming-of-age drama film that explores the sexual identities of teenagers in a rural Indian village. Due to its themes and content, the movie is recommended for viewers aged 16 and above.

Sex & Nudity: The film contains some mild romantic scenes and references to teenage crushes. There is no explicit nudity or sexual content depicted on screen.

Violence & Gore: Bulbul Can Sing includes emotional scenes and a tragic event that impacts the main characters. While there is no graphic violence or gore, the film does touch upon themes of loss and heartbreak.

Profanity: The movie does not contain any strong language or explicit profanity. The dialogue is suitable for a teenage audience.

Overall, Bulbul Can Sing is a heartfelt and poignant film that addresses important themes of identity, love, and loss. It offers a realistic portrayal of teenage experiences in a rural setting, making it a suitable choice for mature teenagers and adult viewers.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Netflix Currently, you can watch ‘Bulbul Can Sing’ on Netflix with ads on Netflix basic subscription. The movie has a runtime of 1h 34m and is categorized under dramas and independent movies.
Plex You can also watch ‘Bulbul Can Sing’ on Plex online. The movie showcases a coming-of-age drama about a young girl in rural India dealing with love and loss.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Bulbul Can Sing is a story of three teenage best friends, Bulbul, Bonny and Suman who are trying to find themselves while simultaneously dealing with the patriarchal society they are a part of.
  • As with Village Rockstars, music plays a part — but it's Bulbul's father who wants her to become a singer.
  • Bulbul Can Sing fuses ethnographic detail into a coming-of-age tale of three teenagers.
  • Bulbul (Arnali Das) is a precocious 15-year-old, embarking on her first crushes, along with her best friends Bonny (Bonita Thakuriya) and Suman (Manoranjoan Das).

🤖Bulbul Can Sing Reddit Talks

Bulbul Can Sing, an award-winning movie directed by Rima Das, has been receiving rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. One of the most striking aspects of the film is its powerful and nuanced portrayal of female characters. The protagonist, Bulbul, is a strong, independent-minded teenage girl who faces a tragic event with resilience and determination. Her character has resonated with many viewers, who have praised the film for its realistic and relatable portrayal of female experiences.

“Bulbul Can Sing is a haunting gothic horror masterpiece from India… The lead lady has some serious acting chops.”

In addition to its strong female characters, the film has also been praised for its beautiful cinematography and evocative storytelling. Set in rural India, the film captures the beauty and simplicity of the natural world, while also exploring the complex social and cultural issues that affect the characters’ lives.

“Bulbul is a visually stunning film with a strong sense of place. The cinematography is beautiful, and the use of natural light is especially effective.”

However, the film has also received some negative reviews. Some critics have argued that the film is too slow-paced and that the plot is underdeveloped. Others have criticized the film’s use of magical realism, which they argue is unnecessary and confusing.

“Bulbbul negative reviews galore… An example of how… Bulbbul’s story is heartbreaking and all the actors were amazing! Their expressions were especially well done, you could see the difference in …”

Despite these criticisms, Bulbul Can Sing remains a powerful and moving film that has resonated with many viewers. Its strong female characters, beautiful cinematography, and evocative storytelling make it a must-see for fans of international cinema.

Here are some of the key topics that have been discussed on social media about Bulbul Can Sing:

  • The film’s strong female characters
  • The film’s beautiful cinematography
  • The film’s use of magical realism
  • The film’s slow pacing
  • The film’s underdeveloped plot

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Bulbul Can Sing movie?

Bulbul Can Sing follows the story of three teenagers in rural India navigating through adolescence and trying to figure out their identities amidst love and loss.

How is the movie Bulbul Can Sing described by reviewers?

Reviewers commend Bulbul Can Sing for its genuine performances, subtle yet powerful storytelling, beautiful portrayal of adolescence, and the poignant exploration of themes like love, friendship, and oppression.

Who are the main cast members of Bulbul Can Sing?

The main cast members of Bulbul Can Sing include Arnali Das as Bulbul, Banita Thakuriya as Bonnie, Manoranjan Das as Suman, and Pakija Begam in supporting roles.

Where can I watch Bulbul Can Sing online?

Bulbul Can Sing can be streamed online on platforms like Netflix, where you can immerse yourself in the heartfelt story of Bulbul, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of life in rural India.

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