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Released in June 2020 on Netflix, Bulbbul, directed by Anvita Dutt, stands as one of Bollywood's most striking and unconventional films. This supernatural horror drama garnered critical acclaim for its bold exploration of gender dynamics, feminist themes, and its visually stunning storytelling. Set in late 19th century Bengal, Bulbbul brings together elements of folklore, gothic horror, and mythic revenge, crafting a narrative that is both haunting and empowering.
Plot Overview
The story of Bulbbul begins in 1881 when a young girl, Bulbbul (played by Tripti Dimri), is married off to Indranil (Rahul Bose), the much older zamindar (landlord) of a sprawling mansion. Her childlike innocence is immediately evident, and the film opens with scenes of her playful friendship with Satya (Avinash Tiwary), Indranil’s younger brother, who is much closer to her in age. The initial setup of the story seems like it will follow the traditional path of a period drama, but Bulbbul veers off into darker and more mysterious territory.
The bulk of the narrative takes place several years later, as Bulbbul, now grown up, has transformed into the authoritative lady of the house. However, the village surrounding the mansion is plagued by a series of mysterious deaths, with whispers of a witch haunting the forest. This "chudail" (witch) with her reversed feet is said to prey on men, an eerie folklore that feeds into the superstitions of the locals. As Satya returns from England, he embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the deaths, and as the layers of the story unfold, the truth about Bulbbul’s transformation and the darkness surrounding the mansion come to light.
A Study in Feminine Power
One of the most compelling aspects of Bulbbul is its nuanced portrayal of feminine power. The film draws upon the archetype of the chudail, a figure from Indian folklore who is often associated with vengeance, sexuality, and inverted morality. In traditional stories, the chudail is a demonic entity that punishes men, often portrayed as a villain. However, in Bulbbul, this figure is reimagined as a symbol of empowerment.
Bulbbul, the central character, begins her journey as a naive and innocent girl. She is married into a patriarchal household where her voice is barely heard, and her desires are suppressed. Her childlike bond with Satya gives her a fleeting sense of companionship, but the hierarchical structure of the family and society soon strips her of agency. As the story progresses, we learn of the brutal violence she endures at the hands of her husband and brother-in-law, which acts as the catalyst for her transformation into the avenging spirit.
This shift in Bulbbul’s character is a powerful commentary on how women, often victimized by the structures of patriarchy, can reclaim power in the face of adversity. The supernatural elements of the film are metaphors for her empowerment. The chudail, with her supernatural abilities and her capacity to instill fear in men, becomes an embodiment of Bulbbul’s internal strength. Instead of being a monstrous figure, the film positions her as a force of justice, righting the wrongs done to her and other women in the village.
Themes of Oppression and Revenge
At its core, Bulbbul is a story about oppression and revenge. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of patriarchy, particularly in the context of colonial Bengal. The rigid gender roles, the expectation of female submission, and the silencing of women’s voices are central to the narrative. Bulbbul’s marriage to an older man symbolizes the loss of agency that many women of her time faced, trapped in loveless marriages with no escape.
The cruelty she endures—most notably the horrific violence inflicted upon her by her brother-in-law—is portrayed with sensitivity, yet its emotional impact is undeniable. This violence is the turning point in Bulbbul’s story, marking the moment when she begins to transform from a victim into an avenger. Her revenge is not just personal; it is also symbolic of the retribution that all oppressed women seek. The men who fall victim to the chudail are not random targets; they represent the system that has wronged Bulbbul and countless women like her.
The film’s exploration of revenge is particularly interesting because it blurs the lines between justice and vengeance. Bulbbul’s actions as the chudail can be seen as morally ambiguous—she is, after all, taking lives—but within the context of the story, her vengeance feels justified. The film raises important questions about how far one can go in the name of justice and whether the oppressed have the right to become oppressors themselves.
Visual and Aesthetic Brilliance
One of the most talked-about aspects of Bulbbul is its visual style. The film is visually stunning, with a dreamlike quality that is both eerie and beautiful. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan uses a rich color palette dominated by reds, symbolizing blood, violence, and passion. The use of red not only heightens the film’s gothic atmosphere but also serves as a visual metaphor for Bulbbul’s transformation and the rage that fuels her actions.
The mansion itself, with its grand yet decaying interiors, adds to the film’s gothic aesthetic. The setting is a character in itself, with its long corridors, shadowy corners, and ominous presence. The haunting music composed by Amit Trivedi enhances the eerie atmosphere, making the film as much an auditory experience as a visual one.
Conclusion
Bulbbul is a film that defies genre conventions and offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre in Indian cinema. It is a story that explores the complexities of feminine power, vengeance, and the impact of patriarchal oppression. Through its haunting visuals, strong performances (particularly by Tripti Dimri), and compelling narrative, Bulbbul stands out as a modern classic. It is not just a story of a chudail; it is a story of a woman reclaiming her agency, her power, and her voice in a world that seeks to silence her.
By blending folklore with feminist themes, Bulbbul challenges viewers to reconsider traditional narratives and to see the "witch" not as a monster, but as a symbol of resistance and strength.
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