Baramulla Movie Review: Manav Kaul Anchors a Gripping Tale Rooted in Kashmir’s Tragic History
Baramulla is a supernatural thriller that paints a stark picture of the Kashmir Valley, skillfully blending horror with the region's ongoing insurgency. The valley's breathtaking beauty and its troubled political situation have long inspired Indian cinema, providing a backdrop for many stories. Netflix's latest release, starring Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli, sets its narrative deeply in Kashmir but avoids romanticizing the region. Instead, it portrays the harsh reality marked by curfews and terrorism.
Plot and Setting
The film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale—who co-wrote the script with Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar—focuses not only on terrorism but primarily on a mysterious case of missing children. DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, newly posted in Baramulla district, is tasked with solving these disappearances.
- Ridwaan relocates with his family to a bungalow provided by the police force.
- The disappearance of a 13-year-old son of an MLA during a magic show at a crowded market triggers his investigation.
- Shortly after, another boy vanishes from the middle of a lake.
With virtually no leads, Ridwaan delves deeper into the case, uncovering layers beyond the surface.
"Baramulla keeps terrorism as just one of the subplots, while the main plot revolves around a case of missing children."
Contextual Themes
The film captures the persistent tension in Kashmir, highlighting both the sociopolitical unrest and its impact on everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on political conflict, it intertwines supernatural elements to enhance the suspense and emotional depth.
Performance Highlights
Manav Kaul delivers a compelling performance as DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, grounding the narrative with sincerity and emotional weight.
"Netflix’s latest film Baramulla, featuring Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli, sets the story deep into the valley but depicts the grim reality of the place."
Author's summary: Baramulla is a haunting thriller that uses the Kashmir insurgency and mysterious child disappearances to tell a raw, compelling story anchored by Manav Kaul’s powerful lead performance.