Netflix's "Baramulla" Movie Review
Director and Cast
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film stars Manav Kaul, Bhasha Sumbli, Arista Mehta, Rohaan Singh, Masoom Mumtaz Khan, Ashwini Koul, Mir Sarvar, and Vikas Shukla.
Story and Setting
The story unfolds in the snow-laden town of Baramulla, where myths and strange incidents disturb the serenity of the valley. The film follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, portrayed by Manav Kaul, who arrives to investigate the mysterious disappearance of several children.
As Ridwaan delves deeper into the case, he discovers unsettling connections between his own family and the dark history of the house they are staying in. The story begins when a young boy vanishes during a magic show, and suspicion quickly falls on the magician. But as the days pass, more children go missing, and the mystery deepens.
Visuals and Tone
What sets the film visually apart is its authentic portrayal of Baramulla. The creators avoid romanticizing the landscape, often a common trope in mainstream Bollywood, instead opting for a raw, cold realism that mirrors the unease running through the narrative.
Critical Analysis
The film handles a compelling topic that deserved a more powerful and convincing treatment. Despite its promising premise, weak storytelling and uneven pacing prevent it from leaving a lasting impact.
“The story had potential, but shoddy storytelling massacred the film.”
In the end, Baramulla remains an ambitious attempt that falls short of its emotional and narrative depth.
Author’s Summary
A visually grounded yet uneven mystery drama where strong performances and atmosphere are overshadowed by weak storytelling and unfulfilled potential.