Baramulla is a Netflix-release Hindi-language thriller directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, featuring Manav Kaul in the lead. The film blends a crime investigation with atmospheric, memory-driven dread rooted in Kashmir’s history, and it has sparked a range of reactions from critics. Overview
- Plot anchor: A Kashmiri police officer, DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul), is assigned to a case of missing children in Baramulla and encounters a web of secrets tied to the town’s past. The narrative shifts between procedural mystery and haunted memory, culminating in a climactic reveal tied to historical trauma.
- Tone and feel: Critics consistently describe Baramulla as moody, tense, and evocative, prioritizing atmosphere and psychological unease over straightforward scares. The setting—Baramulla’s landscapes and the town’s layered memory—acts as a character in itself.
Critical reception highlights
- Performances: Manav Kaul is widely praised for a restrained, magnetic turn as a father and officer torn by duty and doubt. Co-stars such as Bhasha Sumbli and younger cast members are also highlighted for strong, natural performances.
- Strengths: The film earns praise for its haunting mood, deliberate pacing, and the way it uses Kashmir’s historical wounds to deepen the thriller elements. The climax is noted for its emotional weight and historical resonance.
- Criticisms: Several reviews point to a dogged commitment to allegory and memory that can come at the expense of tighter plotting or sustained chills. Some viewers feel the latter half leans more into drama than a gripping suspense experience, with the resolution depending on heavy themes rather than conventional thriller twists.
What to expect if you watch
- If drawn to atmospheric mysteries and character-driven dramas, Baramulla offers a reflective experience with strong performances and a somber, politically charged undertone.
- If you prefer fast-paced thrillers with brisk twists, you might find the pacing slow or the scares understated but effective in their emotional impact.
Notable takeaways from major outlets (themes)
- Baramulla is described as a haunting meditation on loss, belonging, and memory, with the Kashmir narrative woven into the core mystery rather than merely backdrop. The performances, especially Kaul’s, are repeatedly cited as the film’s backbone, delivering intensity through restraint. The ending is frequently described as powerful and moving, leveraging historical trauma to leave a lasting impression.
If you’d like, I can summarize specific reviews from particular outlets, compare critic ratings, or help you decide whether Baramulla matches your taste for mood-driven thrillers or historically contextual drama.
