Baramulla review: A gripping thriller that falters under its own weight
Baramulla is a dark and compelling thriller that stumbles under the burden of its own ambition. Starring Manav Kaul, the film attempts to merge allegorical layers with a shaky narrative, blurring the line between mystery and drama.
Mystery in the Valley
In the scenic town of Baramulla, children begin to disappear without a trace. DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul) is assigned to investigate, bringing along his wife Gulnaar and their children Noorie (Arista Mehta) and Ayaan (Rohaan Singh). What awaits them in their new home is a tense and haunting situation that quickly spirals beyond his control.
An Unnerving Beginning
Produced by Aditya Dhar and directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film opens powerfully. On a crowded street, a ‘jaadugar’ invites a child into a box—and the child vanishes. The desperate search that follows creates a sense of dread as Ridwaan and his team struggle with uncomfortable questions.
- Who is responsible for the kidnappings?
- Why is a room on the second floor of Ridwaan’s house kept locked?
Secrets, betrayal, and half-truths float through the old house like restless spirits. The film builds a potent atmosphere but loses its subtlety as it progresses, slipping into predictable patterns.
“Yes, the way the Kashmiri Pandits were targetted by terrorists, and made to flee their homes, is a wound that the valley and its residents have lived with all these decades.”
Final Thoughts
Despite its strong start and evocative setting, Baramulla ultimately becomes louder than necessary, its message overshadowing the mystery it set out to explore.
Author’s Summary: A gripping yet uneven thriller that captures Kashmir’s unease but loses balance between its chilling mystery and its political overtones.