Baramulla Review: A Gripping Thriller with Flaws
Baramulla, starring Manav Kaul, presents a tense narrative that struggles to blend its allegorical themes with an uneven plot.
Plot and Setting
In the scenic town of Baramulla, Kashmir, children begin to vanish mysteriously. DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul) is assigned to investigate the disturbing cases. He moves into an old wooden house with his wife Gulnaar and their children Noorie (Arista Mehta) and Ayaan (Rohaan Singh), only to find himself confronting a situation unlike any he has faced before.
Opening and Atmosphere
The film starts strongly with a street magician (“jaadugar”) performing a trick where a boy disappears inside a box, setting a tone of mystery and urgency. As the search intensifies, Ridwaan and his team wrestle with unsettling questions:
- Who is responsible for the kidnappings?
- What lies behind the locked room on the house’s second floor?
Secrets, lies, and betrayal emerge from the creaky floors, creating a haunting atmosphere.
Thematic Elements and Critique
While the initial buildup is captivating, the film gradually reveals a more forceful, accusatory tone. It highlights the painful history of Kashmiri Pandits, who were targeted by terrorists and compelled to flee decades ago.
Yes, the way the Kashmiri Pandits were targeted by terrorists, and made to flee their homes, is a wound that the valley and its residents have lived with all these decades.
Despite its strong thematic intention, the film’s storytelling sometimes feels heavy-handed, impacting the overall impact.
Production
Produced by Aditya Dhar and directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Baramulla combines atmospheric visuals with a suspenseful narrative, though inconsistencies hold it back.
Author’s summary: Baramulla captivates with eerie suspense and emotional depth but falters under its uneven plot and overt thematic messaging.