Baramulla Movie Review: Manav Kaul Leads a Riveting Story Rooted in Kashmir’s Tragic Past
Baramulla, Netflix's latest supernatural thriller, stars Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli and is set deep in the Kashmir Valley. Rather than romanticizing the region, the film portrays the harsh reality marked by curfews, terrorism, and unrest.
Film’s Setting and Themes
Kashmir and its insurgency have long been subjects of Indian cinema, reflecting both the valley's natural beauty and its troubled political climate. Baramulla provides a grim picture of these complexities while intertwining a horror story with local conflicts.
Plot Overview
The story centers on DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, newly appointed to Baramulla district, who moves into a government bungalow with his family. His main assignment is to investigate a disturbing case of missing children in the valley.
- Earlier, the 13-year-old son of an MLA vanished mysteriously during a magic show at a busy market.
- Shortly after, another boy disappeared from the middle of a lake.
- The clues to their whereabouts remain bleak, driving Ridwaan deeper into the investigation.
Direction and Writing
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, who co-wrote the screenplay with Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar, the film treats terrorism as a secondary angle while focusing on the unsettling mystery of the missing children.
"Baramulla keeps terrorism as just one of the subplots, while the main plot revolves around a case of missing children, which DSP Ridwaan Sayyed is appointed to solve."
Performance
Manav Kaul delivers a compelling performance as DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, anchoring the film’s intense narrative rooted in Kashmir’s ongoing struggles.
Author’s Summary
Baramulla confronts Kashmir's tragic turmoil through a suspenseful thriller that blends supernatural elements with a poignant investigation into missing children, anchored by Manav Kaul’s strong lead role.