Okay, if I ask you whether you have seen movies set in Kashmir, the first films that will come to your mind are probably The Kashmir Files, Uri, and Mission Kashmir. These films depict terrorism, controversy, and politics.
But recently, a movie has sparked buzz on social media. People are talking a lot about it. Many people are praising it. While it’s about Kashmir, it also has a supernatural twist.
The film Baramulla, starring Manav Kaul, has been produced by Aditya Dhar. Yes, the same Aditya Dhar who’s also bringing Dhurandar, but even before Dhurandar arrives, he’s already delivered some dhua-dhaar work in this one!
On the weekend, I thought, let’s watch the first 15 minutes of this two-hour movie and then decide whether to watch the whole thing or not, but when the picture started, I went straight to the end.
Story
DSP Ridwaan, also known as Manav Kaul, is a serious and mysterious cop trying to solve cases of children going missing in a small town in Baramulla.
It sounds simple, but boss, the story here is not simple.
Ridwaan shifts to an old house with his wife, Gulnar, played by Bhasha Sumbli, and their two children, and this is where the real cold and scary ride of the story begins.
At first, everything seems normal, but then strange noises start coming from the rooms. Shadows whispering from behind the walls and the children’s totally weird behavior give the film a full-on horror vibe.
During the day, Ridwaan is busy with police investigations, and at night, his family seems to be living through a completely different horror film.
As the investigation progresses, Ridwaan realizes that this is not just a case of missing children. There are some old stories buried in this house, and maybe in the entire town, that are now coming back to life.
If you are a fan of visuals, this film will feel like a postcard from Kashmir. Snow, silence, fog – everything is captured beautifully on camera.
So beautifully, in fact, that you might start feeling the cold just from the screen.
The cinematography is top-notch, and the editing is superb.
In the climax, when the past and present blend together, those moments give you goosebumps.
But yes, some scenes are so dark that if you are watching on a mobile phone, you might wonder what is happening on the screen.
So my tip would be – I recommend watching this film on a big screen. That is, on a TV.
Performance
No doubt, Manav Kaul has done an amazing job once again. As DSP Ridwaan, he perfectly balanced the strictness of a police officer and the pain within a human being.
Bhasha Sumbli has also brilliantly portrayed the character of Gulnar. She is a woman who is scared but also as strong as a mountain for her family.
Additionally, child actor Arista Mehta keeps you glued to the screen throughout the movie.
All the other actors have also sincerely played their roles, making the film’s atmosphere believable and emotional.
Aditya Dhar is the writer and producer of this film. Aditya Suhas Jambhale is the director of this film. And the film’s co-writer, Monal Thaakar, also deserves credit because both the makers and writers have tried to combine many themes together: Kashmiriyat, pain, supernatural horror, terrorism, and the brainwashing of children.
The first half may feel slow to some, but the makers have patiently built an environment that will keep you engaged with the movie.
Baramulla is not a typical horror movie. It not only scares you but also makes you think.
There are some scenes that touch the heart, especially when the past and present come together in a single frame.
There is one scene where a child gets trapped inside a tree, and then we see Manav Kaul’s reaction. Many people might find this unreal or uneven. But as the story unfolds from this point onward, you’ll start to realize what’s actually going on.
The visuals and performances make this film a cinematic experience. And if I say more, it will be a spoiler.
So, if you enjoy slow-burning thrillers, a haunting atmosphere, and deep emotional layers, definitely watch Baramulla.
And if you have already watched it, let us know in the comments what you thought of the film.
Tea spilled.
