Anvita Dutt’s 2020 Indian horror film Bulbbul, produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Ssharma, takes audiences back to the Bengal Presidency of the 1880s, immersing them in a gripping tale filled with mystery and folklore.
The story is set in a rural village gripped by fear due to the presence of a supernatural being known as a chudail (witch). Through intense flashbacks, the audience follows the life of a young girl, Bulbbul, who is married off to a nobleman at a tender age.
A mansion filled with secrets, betrayal, and whispers of the supernatural (Photo: Bulbbul/Clean Slate Filmz)As the story progresses, the grim reality of the village emerges, exposing the cruelty of its male inhabitants who exploit and oppress women without remorse.
A Journey from Innocence to Darkness
Set in the 19th century, the film introduces Bulbbul, a five-year-old girl wedded to Indranil, the Bado Thakur (Elder Lord). Despite the constraints of her new life, she finds solace in the companionship of Satya, Indranil’s younger brother, who is closer to her age.
As children, they share a bond over playful moments and tales of the chudail. Their lives revolve around a grand mansion, which they share with Indranil’s mentally unstable twin brother, Mahendra, and his wife, Binodini.
Over the years, as Bulbbul matures, Indranil begins to suspect that she harbors romantic feelings for Satya. Consumed by jealousy, he devises a plan to separate them, sending Satya to London. This decision devastates Bulbbul, as she loses the only person who truly understands her.
The Truth Behind Bulbbul’s Fate
As the past is revealed, it becomes evident that Binodini played a role in fueling Indranil’s insecurities about Bulbbul and Satya. Manipulated by Binodini’s whispers, Indranil lashes out in a violent rage, mercilessly beating Bulbbul and crushing her feet with an iron rod.
Her suffering does not end there—Mahendra takes advantage of her vulnerable state and commits a horrific act of abuse, leading to what appears to be her death. Yet, Bulbbul does not remain the helpless victim. She returns transformed, no longer the same girl she once was.
Reborn with an unyielding spirit, she becomes a force determined to avenge those who have suffered oppression. The crimson glow of the blood-red moon serves as a powerful symbol of the goddess Kali’s presence, reinforcing Bulbbul’s newfound strength to fight against the injustices inflicted upon women.
A Changed Reality
Years pass, and Satya returns from London, only to find his childhood home vastly different from how he left it. Indranil has abandoned the estate, leaving Bulbbul in charge.
Mahendra has met a brutal end, supposedly at the hands of the chudail, while his widow, Binodini, now lives in an outhouse, stripped of her former influence.
The True Identity of the Chudail
The climax of the film reaches a breaking point when Satya, suspicious of the ongoing murders, confronts Sudip, the village doctor. Convinced that Sudip is responsible, Satya decides to take him to Calcutta. However, their journey is disrupted when the chudail strikes again, claiming the life of the carriage driver.
Love, jealousy, and vengeance shape a tragic destiny (Photo: Bulbbul/Clean Slate Filmz)At that moment, Satya realizes that Sudip is innocent. His suspicions change as he finally comes face to face with the chudail—Bulbbul herself. As chaos erupts, Bulbbul makes a desperate attempt to escape, retreating into the forest. But as the flames rise around her, she seeks refuge in the branches of a tree.
Helpless, Satya watches as the fire consumes everything in its path, including Bulbbul.
The Wrath That Never Ends
Years later, Indranil returns to a home that has long been abandoned. Meanwhile, Satya, haunted by his role in Bulbbul’s fate and unwilling to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, has left the estate behind.
That night, Indranil wakes to an eerie presence—Bulbbul’s spirit emerging from the ashes, signaling that her mission for justice is not yet over. Through supernatural storytelling, Bulbbul brings attention to the brutalities faced by women while questioning societal norms.
Its haunting conclusion, rich in symbolism, leaves a lasting impression, urging viewers to reflect on the impact of oppression and the unyielding strength of those who rise above it.
