Baramulla Movie Review: Manav Kaul Leads a Riveting Story Rooted in Kashmir’s Tragic Past
Netflix’s latest supernatural thriller, Baramulla, stars Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli and delves into the harsh realities of Kashmir Valley. Rather than romanticizing the region, the film portrays a grim picture marked by curfews, terrorism, and political unrest.
Plot Overview
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, who co-wrote the script with Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar, Baramulla uses terrorism as a backdrop but centers on a chilling mystery about missing children. The story follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, newly appointed to the Baramulla district, who moves into a bungalow with his family and is tasked with solving these disappearances.
The Disappearances
- Months before, the 13-year-old son of an MLA vanished mysteriously during a magic show at a crowded market.
- Shortly after, another child disappeared from the middle of a lake.
With little evidence to go on, DSP Ridwaan dives deeper into the unsettling cases.
"Kashmir valley and insurgency in the state have served as themes for numerous films in Indian cinema. The beauty of the valley and the unfortunate political climate have always sparked heated debate, making it a strong premise for movies."
Context and Themes
The film intertwines the supernatural with the tragic political landscape of Kashmir, portraying a story that is both a thriller and a reflection on the valley’s troubled past.
Cast and Direction
- Manav Kaul delivers a commanding performance as DSP Ridwaan Sayyed.
- Directed and co-written by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, with co-writers Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar contributing to the screenplay.
Author's summary: Baramulla is a gripping supernatural thriller that uses the mysterious disappearances in Kashmir to explore deeper issues of terrorism and unrest in the valley.