There are very few stories that stay with you much after you have read, heard or watched them. Bulbul is one such story.
Currently streaming on Netflix, actress Anushka Sharma has produced a pot of gold. It is simply presented on the cliché premise that all women must be controlled, especially the free-spirited ones because they tend to fly. And how? Either by persuading them to wear toe rings, imposing child marriage, or silencing them by the use of abuse. But that’s the thing about the free-spirited souls- they are blessed by the mother goddess kali herself in the face of pain, suppression and humiliation. As a result of which they are seldom controlled.
They fly like ‘Chudels’ in the face of misogyny- just like many witches were tortured and burnt during the mighty renaissance. Those that had a few good men to let them fly soared higher only to be ultimately turned to ashes , but they still rise.
The beauty of this story is it’s setting- throwing timelines of friendship with the opposite sex. Young romance that’s ever shunned, the twists that are plotted purely by one motive – I will not be the only woman to be suppressed, I shall make sure that you – of free spirit , shall be served pain and will be made to suffer just like me in silence. The narrative is so ‘fact of the matter’ making it a jaw-dropping story leaving you wanting for more, leaving you sleepless for mothers, daughters and wives who were silenced. ‘Sthree married Porinita’ is what you are served.’
Fantastic performances by Tripti Dimri, Paoli Dam and Rahul Bose. It was wonderful to watch Parambrita Chatterjee on screen again who hasn’t aged a day since Kahaani.