‘Baramulla’ Movie Review: Manav Kaul Leads a Gripping Supernatural Thriller with Political Depth
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale captures the mood, atmosphere, and suspense effectively, but the film’s "us vs them" narrative becomes more apparent as the story unfolds.
Unique Perspective on the Kashmir Conflict
Unlike most films about Kashmir conflict that focus on characters in army uniforms, Baramulla shifts the lens to the local Jammu & Kashmir Police. The story follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyid, a man caught between his duties and widespread distrust.
- His police colleagues regard him as a tough leader.
- Separatists see him as an infidel.
- His daughter calls him a traitor.
Plot and Themes
Ridwaan is pulled into a chilling investigation of missing children in Baramulla. What appears to be a straightforward case is challenged by his junior officer’s insistence on quick closure.
The disappearances seem connected to rising stone-pelting incidents amid surging unrest. Simultaneously, a supernatural presence haunts Ridwaan’s official residence, symbolizing the decayed history of the region.
“Carrying the demons of a past operation in his heart, as Ridwaan grapples with the personal and the professional, we are presented with an emotionally resonant tale that lingers, where the line between the rational and the otherworldly blurs for a greater purpose.”
Director’s Approach
Aditya Suhas Jambhale does not romanticize Kashmir but instead focuses on the deep fissures hidden beneath its snowy peaks. His previous work, Article 370, also explored this complex region.
The film balances supernatural elements with a political subtext, lending it a unique voice among Kashmir-centric stories.
Author’s summary: Baramulla is a haunting thriller that blends supernatural mystery with political tension, grounded by Manav Kaul’s compelling portrayal of a conflicted police officer.