Bulu Film

As proven by his previous films Shakira Ahibo Bokul Tolor Bihuloi and Goru, writer-director and actor Himanshu Prasad Das observes society keenly, daringly and visits terrains seldom visited by other filmmakers. His movies tackle bold, risky issues, but they do so in a way that uses humour in a distinctive way, which makes the complexities of an issue popularly accessible. He always places his characters within pre-destined and peculiar predicaments that become fertile ground for his social critique or commentary to flow.

The satire of Shakira Ahibo Bokul Tolor Bihuloi focused on the Bihuconomics of Bihu Sanmilans in Assam pitted against the backdrop of rural issues and every problem that we, as a community, are collectively facing. Meanwhile, Goru focused on the current polarisation of politics, ethnicity and religion and the helpless or hopeless role of the state regarding which citizens suffer. The themes of unemployment, social ignorance, and racial prejudice run in both the movies, and his latest Bulu Film belongs to the same staple of social satire but in a way that is also different from the rest. (For the sake of this discussion strictly confined to theatrical releases, we are not considering Das' direct-to-online streaming release Hero here).

Bulu Film chronicles the tale of three social misfits and occasional dimwits who are sometimes ahead of their times or sometimes behind them. One of them runs a store called Global Village, which, before being copied by others, had the first PCO (Public Call Office) or sold the first VCDs in their little village. The other drives a TATA Magic and carries passengers to and fro in the hope of owning a vehicle someday. His expectations are dashed, as he couldn't predict the dawn of the pandemic. And the third member of this group, a flamboyant persona, who used to work in a hotel in Goa, and was likely, laid off when the pandemic hit, now kills his time doing nothing.

Financial hardships, familial obligations, and the need for the self-respect that only money can provide, drive the three troublemakers to devise a foolproof scheme to generate quick cash. The plan is to shoot and produce pornographic content and upload them to the web for money. It is the only successful source of sustenance in desperate times such as the lockdown where no other jobs or work have clicked. However, the work isn't as simple as they had anticipated, because there are problems individual, personal and societal. The conflict of the film, which started as economic, goes on to enter the realm of gender, individuality, identity, freedom and choice. And thus, the film becomes broadly socially significant in terms of its scope and significance.

The situation here, unlike in Das' previous movies, is an unforeseeable natural hazard that is beyond human control - the Covid-19 pandemic. And speaking of accessibility, Bulu Film is also an adult-rated film with some content that might be sexually graphic, but on a broader level, it projects universal themes. The role of economics in changing and shaping gender roles, relations and perception, social belongingness and solidarity, individuality and identity, liberty and autonomy is the prime focus of the film here.

Then there are also thematic contrasts with his previous films. While the conflict of Shakira Ahibo Bokul Tolor Bihuloi was cultural, the conflict of Goru was ideological. In Bulu Film, the conflict is rooted in economics and gender. We explore the stories of four households, which are being tried and tested over time. The real-life catastrophe that inspired the film shattered the individual whose substantiality, absoluteness and exploitation is a common thread running parallel in all four stories. Situation and love are also constantly at odds here, as seen through the characters of Chanku Niranjan Nath and Anamika Sarania, Himanshu Prasad Das and his wife, Apurba Barman and his nephew or Pranami Bora's entire character arc.

The tension of the film mostly draws its source from the background of the narrative. Many of the events in Bulu Film occur behind us or without our presence. The character of Bulu is accused of misdoings that have happened without us witnessing. When the long-planned act is finally being filmed, the security guard outside adds to the tension. Much of the day-to-day troubles of family life, with a child being bet for smoking beedi, happen behind closed doors. The gloominess of the entire situation - we don't see it but sense it.

The dialogues in Bulu Film are raw, honest and geographically specific, which gives the characters believable personas and prevents the film from feeling distant. The well-written screenplay makes sure to keep you engaged in laughs throughout the entire runtime with absolutely perfect comic timing between the three major characters of the film. And concerning its drawbacks, the second half of the film could have used a little trimming here and there to make it crisper.

Bulu Film begins with a very silly premise within the nerve of a situational comedy and then transitions into a serious drama where the characterizations evolve and grow complex, and then it finishes off with a tragic and depressing statement on social hypocrisy. How do people breed socially unacceptable practices? How do we view those who are at the mercy of their bodies to buy their daily bread? Does choice exist without limits or it is an unaffordable and unattainable commodity? These are some of the dialectics of thought that the film encourages us to consider ourselves and ponder for long against the inhumane force of time.

Himanshu Prasad Das's humanist approach to the cinema here attempts to forgo a sordid reckoning and cultivate a sense of social sensibility while provoking an emotional dialogue within us. And this sensitive realization makes Bulu Film powerful cinema. You will enjoy the film for it is a laugh riot but you will also return with an urge for self-reflection.

Bulu Film is bold. It is sensational and it is daring. Although some people would flatly reject it as offensive and insulting or having a self-serving purpose, the truth cannot be denied. You might not like it, but if you're brave enough, you will. My writing might be sentimental but the movie is not!

Excellent movie with unique blend of situational comedy and social commentary. The movie offers a raw and honest portrayal of village life in Assam, tackling themes of a socio-realist approach. The film's strength lies in its well-written screenplay, which keeps the audience engaged with humor and unexpected twists. The dialogues are authentic and geographically specific, adding to the film's believability. The performances of the lead actors, including Apurba Barman and Pranami Bora, are commendable, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Overall, "Bulu Film" is a bold and brave attempt to spark a conversation about relevant social issues. It is a film that will make you laugh, think, and reflect on the realities of life in rural Assam. While it may not be perfect, its honest storytelling and powerful performances make it a must-watch for those interested in Assamese cinema.