Evolution of Indian cinema challenge

[Late 2010s]

Late 2010s had productions in mainstream becoming increasingly expensive to appeal mass audience. Among those Baahubali 2, Tiger Zinda Hai, Padmaavat, Sanju, 2.0 and War expectedly became biggest hits, whereas Race 3, Thugs of Hindostan and Zero bombed big time at box-office. Some even on a limited budget grossed much higher in Secret Superstar, Hindi Medium, Andhadhun, KGF, Uri & Mission Mangal. Some ambitious experiments were made within a particular genre in Jallikattu, Avane Srimannarayana, Bombay Rose, Super Deluxe, Vada Chennai, Buddha.mov, Tumbbad, Gully Boy, October, Cargo and Mercury. It was also when major streaming media services entered urbane parts of India. This film is one such content-driven film which took early advantage of streaming, by being distributed beyond regional barriers.

Bulbul Can Sing is a coming-of-age film shaped by distinct organic qualities. It is an utterly mesmerizing tour of a tiny village in Assam.

It focuses on a trio of best friends Bonnie, Suman and Bulbul as they grow up together. Much like any teen is expected, one can see them going to school, regularly attending classes, taking part in cultural activities, returning from school & doing chore activities in home. But on inside — they yearn for much more. Finding a tree trunk to carve their names, celebrating festival of lights to the fullest, picking flowers from grass to trail fingers in it, looking up above at a pouring sky by standing in a swampy field, relaxing beneath a tree to play a game of Ludo & gazing at scenic beauty of river in the company of their partner. This is what they want to live for.

One can guess where this would lead already. Most part of film is about their mood shifts as they swing between this two conflicting worlds. As much as I was impressed by filmmaking ability of Das from opening tree shot itself, I was not head over the heels for film. Everything tied together gradually. The spontaneity with which Das moves with a hand-held camera following wherever trio goes, creates an intimacy with viewer to understand — stream of feelings running through them. All three characters may be different in many ways, yet they are too similar. Bonnie was crushed right after blooming. Suman wasn't even allowed to bloom. Nevertheless, Bulbul can bloom again.