Bulbbul (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- Anvita Dutt
- Original language
-
Hindi
- Studio
- Clean Slate Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- revenge
- domestic violence
- mental retardation
- female protagonist
- doctor
- title directed by female
- man
- feminism
- folk horror
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.
- Director Anvita Dutt
- Triptii Dimri as Bulbbul
- Rahul Bose as Indranil / Mahendra
-
Avinash Tiwary as Satya - Paoli Dam as Binodini
Also Starring in Bulbbul
· 5 more- Parambrata Chatterjee Sudip
- Varun Buddhadev Little Satya
- Veera Kapur Ee Pishima
- Sameer Deshpande Bulbbul's Father
- Ruchi Mahajan Little Bulbbul
Bulbbul Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (62).
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.
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
Bulbbul Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Bulbbul.
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is Bulbbul married to in the film?
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?
Movies Like Bulbbul
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Welcome Home, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Impetigore.
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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