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Horror thriller

Bulbbul (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Bulbbul (2020) movie poster

Bulbbul is a 2020 horror thriller directed by Anvita Dutt, starring Triptii Dimri as Bulbbul, Rahul Bose and Avinash Tiwary. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes. Its Echo Score is 78/100.

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Bulbbul (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Anvita Dutt
Genres
Thriller , Horror , Fantasy
Original language
Hindi
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bulbbul About?

The premise of Bulbbul without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A young bride grows into a mysterious woman, ruling her household while haunted by a painful history. As supernatural events and the unexplained deaths of men grip her village, she must confront the secrets of her past and the darkness surrounding her. The story unfolds as a unique and unsettling fairy tale.

Bulbbul Themes & Keywords

· 21 tags
  • rape
  • village
  • folklore
  • heartbreak
  • patriarchy
  • tragedy
  • child marriage
  • witch
  • murder
  • misogyny
  • forest fire
  • one word title
+9 more
  • revenge
  • domestic violence
  • mental retardation
  • female protagonist
  • doctor
  • title directed by female
  • man
  • feminism
  • folk horror
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Cast & crew

Bulbbul Cast & Characters

Triptii Dimri leads the cast as Bulbbul, with Rahul Bose as Indranil / Mahendra and Avinash Tiwary as Satya. Directed by Anvita Dutt; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bulbbul

· 5 more
Ratings

Bulbbul Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (62).

78 /100

Bulbbul Echo Score Breakdown

Bulbbul impresses with a richly textured visual palette that elevates its folk‑horror premise. Critics and viewers applaud the cinematography, production design, and measured direction, though occasional CGI flaws and uneven scene execution are noted. Acting is generally nuanced, the lead delivers depth and supporting cast contributes effectively, albeit some secondary roles feel under‑utilised. The story balances feminist themes with folklore but suffers from predictable beats and pacing lapses, yielding mixed reactions. Overall, the sensory experience is compelling and the film holds moderate rewatch value, positioning it as a solid yet imperfect addition to modern Hindi cinema.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of cinematography and production design, Bulbbul delivers a striking visual style, employing a red‑tinted palette and meticulous framing that create a dreamlike atmosphere. Critics highlight the gorgeous look and careful shot composition, while users note occasional CGI shortcomings and moments where tighter editing could have heightened impact. The direction is solid, resulting in a commendable overall art execution.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When assessing character and emotion, the lead performance is frequently praised for depth and nuance, with supporting actors delivering effective portrayals. Reviewers commend the central performance’s emotional resonance, though some note that secondary characters are under‑utilised and the ensemble could have been more fully developed. Overall, the acting contributes positively to the film’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 62

    Regarding story and flow, Bulbbul blends feminist folklore with horror, offering an engaging premise that many find intriguing. However, several critics and users describe the narrative as thinly written, predictable, and occasionally paced slowly, with themes not explored in depth. This mixed feedback places the storytelling in a lukewarm range.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In the sensory experience domain, the film’s score and sound design reinforce its eerie mood without overwhelming the viewer. Visual elements, especially the haunting color grading, are widely praised, although occasional CGI flaws diminish immersion. The overall sensory package is strong, contributing significantly to the atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    The rewatch factor for Bulbbul is moderate; its hypnotic visual style and compelling atmosphere encourage a second viewing, while predictable plot points and pacing issues may reduce repeat enjoyment for some. Consequently, the film offers decent replay value but is unlikely to become a frequent favorite.

Plot

Bulbbul Plot Summary

What happens in Bulbbul from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Bulbbul Triptii Dimri is married off in the 19th century to Indranil, a wealthy lord, when she is barely five years old. She grows up in a village household where she forms a close, almost sister-like bond with Satya Avinash Tiwary, Indranil’s younger brother who is closer to her age. Together they share stories of a sinister witch known as the chudail, a figure that both fascinates and terrifies them as they navigate the rules and confinements of village life. The bond between Bulbbul and Satya becomes the emotional throughline of their childhood, a silent pact against the loneliness of their world.

Full summary

The whole story of Bulbbul, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Bulbbul Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Bulbbul.

Bulbbul | Official Trailer | Tripti Dimri, Rahul Bose, Avinash Tiwary | Netflix India
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bulbbul?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Bulbbul married to in the film?

Details

Bulbbul Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “Призрак в кронах деревьев” and “불불”.

Also known as
  • Призрак в кронах деревьев
  • 불불
  • כפר הרפאים
  • 鬼疫村女
  • รอยรักตำนานอาถรรพ์
  • Μπουλμπούλ
  • Quá Khứ Tang Thương
  • 童养媳之谜
  • ブーブル

Seen Bulbbul?

FAQ

Bulbbul FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Bulbbul, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bulbbul?

Bulbbul runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Bulbbul released?

Bulbbul was released on June 24, 2020.

Who directed Bulbbul?

Bulbbul was directed by Anvita Dutt.

More films by Anvita Dutt

Who is in the cast of Bulbbul?

Bulbbul stars Triptii Dimri as Bulbbul, Rahul Bose as Indranil / Mahendra and Avinash Tiwary as Satya, among 9 credited actors.

Does Bulbbul have a post-credit scene?

No. Bulbbul has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Bulbbul in?

The original language of Bulbbul is Hindi.

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