Baramulla Review: A Distinct Psychological and Political Horror Rooted in Kashmir’s Tragic Past
Baramulla offers a daring exploration of Kashmir’s socio-political turmoil, weaving psychological and supernatural elements into a story that feels both haunting and reflective. Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli deliver layered performances that anchor this complex narrative with emotional clarity.
The Story and Its Foundations
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Baramulla examines trauma, displacement, and memory through an intimate yet unsettling lens. Dhar’s own background as a Kashmiri Pandit strongly influences the film, giving it a voice that resonates with authenticity without losing narrative balance.
“His voice as a Kashmiri Pandit finds an echo in this tale that’s gut‑wrenching, spine‑chilling and mythical in equal measures.”
The project originated from a short story Dhar wrote in 2016 about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of the 1990s—an event that forced countless families to leave their ancestral homes. Over time, that story evolved into a feature film, developed with Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s cinematic vision and a deep sense of historical loss.
Setting and Narrative Focus
Set in 2016, the film follows DSP Ridwaan Shafi Sayyed, who relocates with his family from Reasi to Baramulla after a traumatic incident involving a hostage situation and a tragic death at a local school. Still grappling with PTSD, Ridwaan faces another mystery when a boy named Shoaib vanishes during a magic show—pulling him deeper into a web of fear and memory.
Through its atmospheric storytelling and unsettling imagery, Baramulla blends realism with otherworldly horror, capturing both the psychological scars of violence and the lingering echoes of collective displacement.
Performances and Direction
Manav Kaul’s portrayal of Ridwaan is restrained yet powerful, while Bhasha Sumbli embodies quiet resilience. Dhar’s direction combines haunting symbolism with political commentary, marking Baramulla as a rare film that merges personal history with genre experimentation.
Verdict
Baramulla is a striking piece of psychological and political cinema, transforming Kashmir’s tragic history into a work of mythic, cinematic horror that refuses to look away from the pain at its core.
Author’s Summary: A deeply atmospheric, psychologically charged film that fuses horror, memory, and history to reflect Kashmir’s enduring wounds with authentic emotional depth.