Baramulla movie review: Manav Kaul leads a riveting story rooted in Kashmir’s tragic past

Baramulla Movie Review: Manav Kaul Leads a Riveting Story Rooted in Kashmir’s Tragic Past

Baramulla is a supernatural thriller that presents a stark and gripping portrayal of the Kashmir Valley. Starring Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli, the film navigates the harsh realities of the region, moving beyond romanticized depictions to highlight curfews, terrorism, and turmoil.

Setting and Themes

Kashmir’s natural beauty and troubled political climate have inspired many Indian films. This film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale—who also co-wrote the screenplay with Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar—uses the valley’s insurgency as a backdrop, but the central narrative focuses on a more personal and chilling mystery.

Plot Overview

The story follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, newly posted in Baramulla district, who moves into a government-provided bungalow with his family. Tasked with solving a disturbing case of missing children, Ridwaan confronts a grim reality.

Months prior, a 13-year-old boy—the son of a local MLA—disappeared mysteriously during a magic show at a crowded market.
Shortly after, another boy went missing in the middle of a lake.

With very few clues available, Ridwaan delves deeper into the case, uncovering unsettling layers beneath the region’s surface.

Director's Vision

"Baramulla keeps terrorism as just one of the subplots, while the main plot revolves around the missing children," says the director, emphasizing the film’s balanced approach to portraying Kashmir’s complex reality.

The film offers a fresh perspective by intertwining supernatural elements with the socio-political challenges of Kashmir, making it more than just another thriller set in the valley.

Cast

Manav Kaul
Bhasha Sumbli

Conclusion

Baramulla presents a compelling narrative that captures both the mystique and the harsh truths of Kashmir, making it a timely and thought-provoking thriller.

Author’s summary: Manav Kaul’s Baramulla explores Kashmir’s dark realities through a suspenseful tale of missing children, skillfully blending supernatural thrills with political unrest.

WION — 2025-11-07