Baramulla Review: Manav Kaul Leads a Chilling Story of Loss, Faith, and the Ghosts of the Past
Baramulla begins like a straightforward tale of a missing child, but it quickly unravels with a quiet intensity, turning familiar elements into unsettling experiences. The story opens in a small Kashmiri town where a magician’s act captivates a crowd: a boy steps into a box, disappears, yet does not reappear. This mysterious disappearance of Shoaib Ansari ignites the film’s tension.
Plot and Setting
In the frozen town of Baramulla, one flower blooms in a landscape so still it almost deceives the viewer into calmness. Yet beneath this calm lies a restless undercurrent. The film’s atmosphere is chilling, transforming a simple mystery into a profound exploration of loss and faith.
Characters and Performances
- Manav Kaul stars as DSP Ridwan Sayyad, whose grounded performance holds the narrative together.
- Supporting cast includes Bhasha Sumbli, Arista Mehta, Rohaan Shah, and Ashwini Koul, who depict Ridwan’s family, drawn into growing fear and uncertainty.
Direction and Tone
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film does not ease the viewer’s tension, maintaining a relentless grip until the very end. It shifts from a puzzling disappearance to something far deeper and more haunting.
“Baramulla unfolds with a quiet ruthlessness, turning every familiar note into a dissonant one.”
“The film never lets you breathe easy, and that might be its greatest strength.”
The missing boy’s case evolves beyond a mere investigation, becoming a catalyst that spreads dread and confusion through the community and the protagonist’s family.
Summary
Baramulla is a gripping, atmospheric drama that combines a mystery with themes of loss and spiritual unrest, anchored by Manav Kaul’s powerful lead performance.
Author's summary: This film crafts a haunting narrative where the disappearance of a child exposes deeper fears and fractures in a tight-knit community, driven by compelling performances and eerie storytelling.