Bulbbul (2020) is a mesmerising period horror drama written and directed by Anvita Dutt, and produced by Anushka Sharma under Clean Slate Filmz. Set in late 19th‑century Bengal, Bulbbul blends feminist storytelling, folklore, and gothic visuals to tell the story of a child bride’s journey from innocence to haunted matriarch. The film premiered globally on Netflix on 24 June 2020.

Story Overview

Set in 1881 Bengal Presidency, Bulbbul follows a young girl named Bulbbul who is married off to the much older Indranil Thakur (Rahul Bose). She initially befriends Satya (Avinash Tiwary), Indranil’s younger brother. Five years later, Bulbbul returns from education to lead the big Thakur household—but unsettling supernatural deaths plague the village. A dark secret and patriarchal horror lurk beneath the surface.

Cast and Crew

• Tripti Dimri delivers a standout performance as Bulbbul, transitioning from shy innocence to powerful avenging spirit.
• Rahul Bose portrays Indranil and his twin Mahendra, adding emotional weight to the dynamic.
• Paoli Dam plays Binodini, a jealous sister-in-law embodying complex female dynamics.
• Avinash Tiwary as Satya offers understated charm and emotional conflict.
• The film is directed and written by Anvita Dutt Guptan, with evocative visuals by cinematographer Siddharth Diwan and haunting scores composed by Amit Trivedi.

Visual Style & Atmosphere

Bulbbul is visually arresting—rich hues of crimson, purple, and muted shadows create a dreamlike and unsettling mood. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan’s shadow play and Amit Trivedi’s subtle music amplify its gothic tone. The film’s haunting visuals evoke the emotional turmoil beneath the narrative’s surface.

Themes Explored

• Patriarchy and Female Oppression: Bulbbul critiques oppressive familial and societal norms, showing how women endure silence and abuse.
• Feminist Folklore: The film reimagines the chudail (witch) as a feminist symbol of vengeance and justice. Bulbbul becomes an avenging spirit fighting patriarchal wrongs.
• Transformation and Revenge: The narrative portrays Bulbbul’s evolution—from abused bride to supernatural force—articulated in a poetic, mythic framework.

Reception and Audience Response

Critics generally praised Bulbbul for its feminist narrative and visual artistry:

• The Indian Express called it a “powerfully feminist, revisionist tale” with exceptional craftsmanship and emotional feeling.
• The Hindu described it as a thoughtful, moving re‑imagining of folklore with strong social commentary.
• The Quint observed that while the script avoids complete resolution, it raises powerful questions about gender roles and power.

Reddit users added raw insight:

“Tripti’s performance as Bulbbul was incredibly powerful. I found the film to have a very powerful message…”
“A visually fascinating… Avinash, Tripti and Mr. Bose all were good.”

However, some viewers felt the screenplay was predictable and that the story lacked suspense.

Tripti Dimri’s role earned her the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress in a web original film.

Why Watch Bulbbul?

If you’re seeking a horror film steeped in myth, feminism, and visual poetry, Bulbbul is a standout. It defies typical thriller tropes in favor of mood, metaphor, and symbolic storytelling. Tripti Dimri’s layered performance anchors the film, while its gothic atmosphere and social commentary give it lasting impact.

Watch Bulbbul on YoMovies

Experience Bulbbul in full HD on YoMovies—a haunting exploration of folklore, feminism, and visual storytelling that continues to resonate. Stream it now, only on YoMovies.