Baramulla is a Netflix Hindi-language thriller that centers on a Kashmir-set investigation intertwined with supernatural elements and a layered Kashmiri backdrop. It has triggered a mix of praise for mood, atmosphere, and Manav Kaul’s performance, and critique for pacing, coherence, and some heavy-handed allegory. Below is a concise digest of recent critical takes to help you decide whether it’s worth watching. What critics are saying
- Performances and atmosphere: Several reviews highlight Manav Kaul as a steadying force, anchoring a film that builds its suspense through mood and the stark Baramulla landscape rather than loud scares. Cinematography and the wintry setting are frequently praised for creating an eerie, immersive milieu.
- Structure and pacing: A common point of contention is the film’s narrative pace and coherence. Some viewers feel the first half is slower, and the second half leans more into allegory than tight plotting, which can disrupt immersion for those seeking a straightforward thriller.
- Thematic ambition: Critics note an ambitious blend of crime investigation, supernatural horror, and family drama, using disappearances and historical trauma (including references to Kashmiri exodus) to deepen the emotional stakes. Several reviews identify the climax as a strong, haunting payoff tied to broader regional traumas.
- Overall verdicts: Reactions range from finding it gripping and unique in its atmosphere to labeling it uneven or overreaching in its allegorical aims. Aggregator-like takes suggest a film that excels in mood but falters slightly in narrative payoff for some viewers.
Who should watch it
- If you’re drawn to mood-driven thrillers with a strong sense of place and a standout central performance, Baramulla offers a compelling experience despite some narrative bumps.
- If you prefer tight plotting with minimal symbolism, the film’s sporadic pacing and allegorical turns might feel off-putting to you.
Where to read more
- Reviews from Indian and international outlets discuss the film’s atmosphere, performance, pacing, and climax, giving a spectrum of viewpoints to gauge whether Baramulla aligns with your tastes.
Direct answer
Baramulla is a mood-forward thriller on Netflix anchored by Manav Kaul,
notable for its wintry Kashmir setting and eerie atmosphere, with a strong
emotional through-line at the climax connected to Kashmiri trauma. Critics
generally praise the performances and atmosphere while noting pacing issues
and some overreliance on allegory, which may affect how satisfying the
narrative feels to some viewers. If cinematic mood and a layered, regionally
infused thriller appeal to you, it’s worth a watch; if you favor a tightly
paced, strictly procedural plot, you might find it uneven.
