Bulbbul, a chilling 2020 Indian horror film directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Ssharma, transports viewers to the intriguing world of the 1880s Bengal Presidency.
The story starts in a small village haunted by a dangerous creature known as a chudail (witch). Through intense flashbacks, viewers witness the life of a child bride, Bulbbul, promised to royalty. The story unfolds to reveal the harsh reality of the village, plagued by sadistic stereotypes among the male population who exploit and oppress women without remorse.
The plot unfolds in the 19th century, following the life of Bulbbul, a 5-year-old married off to Indranil, the Bado Thakur (Elder Lord). She befriends Satya, Indranil’s younger brother, who is closer to her age. Both of them grow up together, playing and telling each other stories of the witch.
They live in a huge mansion along with Indranil’s mentally challenged twin brother Mahendra and his wife, Binodini. With time, as they both grow up, Indranil starts suspecting that Bulbbul has feelings for Satya. He sends Satya away to London, leaving Bulbbul heartbroken about losing her only friend.
Did Bulbbul really die?
Flashbacks reveal how Binodini influenced Indranil into thinking Bulbbul still loves Satya. In a fit of rage, Indranil brutally beats Bulbbul and maims her feet with an iron rod. To worsen it, Mahendra viciously rapes her, resulting in her accidental death. However, she comes back but is not the same anymore. She is resurrected with a mission to help all those oppressed women and serve justice to them. The symbolic transformation marked by the blood-red moon signifies the goddess Kali’s intervention, granting Bulbbul the strength to fight back against injustice.
In the present day, it is shown that Satya returns home from London after twenty years but finds everything to be different. Indranil left the estate, leaving Bulbbul as the head of charge. Mahendra died from what seemed like a witch’s attack. Binodini, his widow, now lives in an outhouse.
Who was the real chudail?
The climax of the film unfolds in a gripping sequence where Satya confronts Sudip, the village doctor. Satya suspects him of the recent murders. As Satya escorts Sudip to Calcutta, the chudail strikes, claiming the carriage driver’s life. Satya, realizing Sudip’s innocence, confronts the witch—Bulbbul—in a moment of chaos.
Bulbbul attempts to escape the fiery turmoil, seeking refuge in a tree as the forest around her ignites. Satya, belatedly recognizing Bulbbul’s true nature, witnesses her demise in the engulfing flames.
In the aftermath, the film leaps to the future, with Indranil returning to his now-deserted estate. Satya left his estate, guilt-ridden about what he did to Bulbbul and also not wanting to become like his brothers. That night, Indranil wakes up and sees Bulbbul’s spirit emerging from the embers. This promises a final act of retribution, suggesting that her quest for justice is far from over.
Bulbbul explores the concept of justice through a supernatural lens, challenging societal norms and expectations. The film’s ending, filled with symbolism and mystique, prompts viewers to reflect on the consequences of abuse and the resilience of those who rise from the ashes.
