Bulbul Can Sing

Bulbul Can Sing is a 2018 Indian Assamese-language coming-of-age drama film written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das. An emotional voyage into the tribulations of teenage life, this film is a mesmerizing piece of cinema that boldly handles topics such as love, friendship, societal norms, and the struggles of self-identity. Featuring performances from Pakija Begam, Arnali Das, and Manoranjan Das, Bulbul Can Sing meticulously articulates the intricacies of a rural Indian lifestyle and the burden of tradition constricting free spirits.

As the film unfolds, we follow the eponymous character Bulbul (Arnali Das), growing up in the rustic landscapes of Assam. Bulbul, an effervescent teenager, is deeply in love with her life in the countryside and has a great rapport with her childhood friends – Bonny (Bonita Thakuria) and Suman (Manoranjan Das). Through the lens of their daily interactions, playful antics, and hearty laughter, the film brings to the fore the anxieties and exuberance of teenage life.

Simultaneously, the film beautifully underscores the aspect of singing as an integral motif. The title itself, "Bulbul Can Sing," refers to the Bulbul - a bird recognized for its melodious voice. Bulbul, the protagonist, faces constant pressure to match the singing prowess of her deceased father, adding another layer of complexity to her character evolution. However, Bulbul’s passion resides elsewhere. She may not possess the ability to sing like her father, but she has dreams of her own, waiting to bloom.

Suman, a gentle, sensitive boy, struggles to fit into the masculine stereotypes set by his rural community, shaping a narrative about finding acceptance in a prejudiced society. Pakija Begam plays the character of Bulbul's mother, who despises her daughter's bond with Bonny and Suman, symbolizing the conservative and orthodox mindset present in the community.

Bulbul Can Sing paints a vivid picture of rural life in Assam, captured with pathos and realism. Its visual aesthetics bathe in the stunning landscapes, earthy tones, lush green fields, serene riverside, and bamboo houses. Das' direction makes it immersive, enabling viewers to experience the ambience of rural Assam subtly and intimately.

The narrative of the film deepens as it bravely exposes the rigidity found within societal norms and how it clashes with the awakening of adolescence, sexuality, and the freedom to choose one's path. The film encompasses a broad spectrum of societal topics that influence the lives of these young characters, casting a glance at the oppressive social practices that limit their journey to self-discovery and identity formation.

A poignant aspect of Das' craft is the use of non-professional actors. Their performances are incredibly naturalistic and authentic, embodying the characters they portray. Arnali Das, as Bulbul, delivers a performance with emotional depth and tenderness that's nothing short of outstanding, convincingly portraying her character's arc of confusion, rebellion, tragedy, and self-assertion.

The film does an exquisite job of throwing light on the dichotomy between the freedom of young love and the confines dictated by societal customs, and norms. It also presents a constant undercurrent of gender politics and societal prejudice that enhances the narrative depth.

Bulbul Can Sing won numerous accolities and recognition, both nationally and internationally. It won the Best Indie Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was awarded the Best Feature Film in Assamese at the 66th National Film Awards.

In all, Bulbul Can Sing is a sensitively crafted film by Rima Das that dissects the complexities of growing up in a society that clings tightly to traditional norms and societal prejudices. It demonstrates the journey of rural youth, grappling with their identities against the backdrop of a restrictive society. Utilizing authentic performances, symbolisms, and evocative visuals, Bulbul Can Sing is a delicate, stern, and insightful commentary on love, friendship, societal pressures, and self-discovery. It's a piece of cinema that lingers long after the screen goes dark, urging audiences to reconsider the ideas of freedom, tradition, and individuality.