Baramulla is this week's supernatural thriller starring Manav Kaul, presenting a stark portrayal of Kashmir Valley. The film skillfully intertwines a horror narrative with the backdrop of insurgency in the region.
The valley's breathtaking beauty alongside its troubled political climate have inspired many Indian films. Rather than romanticizing Kashmir, Baramulla exposes its harsh realities, highlighting curfews, terrorism, and social unrest.
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, who co-wrote the script with Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar, the film treats terrorism as a subplot. The central story focuses on a missing children case assigned to DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, newly posted in Baramulla district.
Ridwaan moves into an official bungalow with his family and begins investigating the disappearance of children in the valley. The incidents start when the 13-year-old son of an MLA vanishes during a magic show at a crowded market. Shortly thereafter, another boy goes missing from a lake with no leads.
With minimal clues, Ridwaan dives deeper into the mysterious disappearances, navigating a complex, tense environment shaped by both supernatural and real-world fears.
"Kashmir Valley and insurgency in the state have both served as themes for numerous films in Indian cinema."
"Baramulla keeps terrorism as just one of the subplots, while the main plot revolves around a case of missing children."
Baramulla offers a gritty, immersive experience that reflects the region’s struggles without glamorizing its tragedies.
Author's summary: Baramulla delivers a haunting narrative that blends supernatural horror with the convicting reality of Kashmir’s turmoil, led by a powerful performance from Manav Kaul.