Baramulla review: A gripping thriller that falters under its own weight

Baramulla Review: A Gripping Thriller That Falters Under Its Own Weight

The Manav Kaul-starrer Baramulla unfolds as a thriller trying to blend allegorical elements with an uneven plot. The story begins with a mysterious and sinister atmosphere in the picturesque Kashmir town of Baramulla, where young children disappear without explanation.

DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul) is sent to investigate the vanishings. Upon arriving at his assigned old wooden house with his wife Gulnaar and children Noorie (Arista Mehta) and Ayaan (Rohaan Singh), he finds himself caught in a complex and unfamiliar situation.

Strong Beginning and Atmospheric Setup

The film opens powerfully. A street magician asks a boy to climb into a box, and then the boy mysteriously disappears. The urgency to find the missing child grows, and Ridwaan and his team face difficult questions without clear answers:

Who is behind the kidnappings?
What is the secret of the locked room on the second floor of Ridwaan’s house?

Secrets, lies, and betrayal emerge like ghostly wraiths from the creaky floorboards, creating an eerie and suspenseful mood.

Narrative Challenges and Political Undertones

While the atmospheric setup is compelling, the film’s narrative soon reveals a heavy-handed approach, especially in its message. It points accusatorily to the tragic history of the Kashmiri Pandits, who were targeted by terrorists and forced to flee their homes. This wound has deeply affected the valley and its people for decades.

"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."

Unfortunately, this approach sometimes overwhelms the mystery and suspense, detracting from the film’s initial promise.

Production Details

Produced by Aditya Dhar
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale

The film’s potential is evident but uneven execution keeps it from fully succeeding as a thriller.

Author's Summary

Baramulla captivates with a strong start and tense atmosphere but falters by mixing political messages with inconsistent storytelling, weakening its overall impact.

The Indian Express — 2025-11-07