Baramulla Movie Review- The new Netflix thriller Baramulla arrives not with the usual supernatural scare tactics, but with a deeply unsettling meditation on loss, exile, and unresolved trauma in Kashmir. Anchored by Manav Kaul’s restrained yet magnetic performance, the film captures the haunting reality of a land caught between memory and pain within just over two hours of runtime.
A Gripping Mystery with Layers of Historical Grief
Set against the snow-covered backdrop of Baramulla in Kashmir, the film opens with DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul) investigating the mysterious disappearances of children, who vanish leaving behind only scissor-cut hair. But as the plot unfolds, the story transcends a typical thriller and plunges into the collective grief haunting Kashmir’s landscape. The narrative merges two timelines: the present mystery entwined with a decades-old tragedy of the Kashmiri Pandit family massacre in the 1990s.
The house that Ridwaan and his family move into was once home to the Sapru family, victims of militant violence during the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. The spirits of the Saprus—especially mother Mansi and daughter Eela—are trapped in the house, reliving that trauma, symbolizing Kashmir’s grief that refuses to heal.
Powerful Performances That Elevate the Story- Baramulla Movie Review
Manav Kaul delivers one of his finest performances as Ridwaan, a conflicted officer grappling with both the case and his personal trauma. His quiet intensity and emotional depth captivate, especially in his moments with his on-screen family. Bhasha Sumbli, as his wife Gulnaar, complements him brilliantly, embodying strength and vulnerability with quiet storminess.
The film’s strength lies in its performances across the board, from the children to supporting cast, who bring credibility and poignancy to this dense story. Although the pacing in the opening is slow, the payoff is a searing climax that transcends horror, revealing the historical and emotional weight beneath.
When Horror Meets History- Baramulla Movie
Baramulla is not driven by cheap scares but uses supernatural elements as metaphors for unresolved history and collective memory. The missing children storyline culminates in a violent confrontation that echoes past massacres and exposes the sinister recruitment of vulnerable children by extremist factions. The film ultimately suggests that Kashmir’s true horror lies in memory, loss, and an unacknowledged past.
Real-World Context and Impact- Baramulla Movie
By revisiting the painful 1990s exodus and massacre of Kashmiri Pandits, director Aditya Suhas Jambhale offers an unflinching look at one of India’s most complex conflicts. Unlike many films that exploit tragedy, Baramulla treats these events with solemn respect, making viewers reflect on the enduring scars of displacement and communal violence.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Haunts Beyond the Screen
Baramulla is a rare thriller that evolves into a deeply emotional experience, exploring themes of faith, memory, guilt, and survival. Manav Kaul’s stellar portrayal, the atmospheric cinematography of Kashmir’s landscapes, and the narrative’s respectful handling of a sensitive subject make this film a must-watch on Netflix.
If you seek more than typical supernatural horror, Baramulla’s haunting tale will stay with you long after the credits roll—reminding us that some ghosts are historical, and some wounds remain open until we confront their truth.
Takeaway: Baramulla challenges audiences to look beyond surface scares and engage with Kashmir’s complex history of trauma and resilience. Streaming now, this film invites a profound reflection on what it means to belong, lose, and remember.
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