Manav Kaul’s Baramulla, streaming on Netflix, unfolds like a chilling poem set in the misty valleys of Kashmir. The film blends fear, grief, and emotion into a haunting narrative that is visually stunning yet narratively uneven. Despite powerful performances and breathtaking cinematography, the story slightly loses its hold as it progresses.
November 7, 2025 – New Delhi
It’s hard to classify Baramulla into a single genre. Written and produced by Aditya Dhar and directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film explores the deep undercurrents of mystery and trauma lurking beneath Kashmir’s snow-clad beauty. Together, they create a world where the silence of the mountains hides more than it reveals — secrets, sorrow, and shadows from the past.
The Storyline
The plot follows DSP Rizwaan Saiyyed (Manav Kaul), who is sent to Baramulla to investigate a series of mysterious child disappearances. Accompanied by his wife Gulnaar (Bhasha Sumbli) and their children, Rizwaan moves into an old colonial house — a house that seems to breathe with memories and whispers of the past.
Strange occurrences begin to unfold: distant voices, flickering shadows, and an eerie change in the children’s behavior. As the investigation deepens, Rizwaan realizes that this is no ordinary case — it’s a web of secrets that ties his own family to Baramulla’s painful history.
Technical Brilliance
The film’s strongest suit lies in its atmosphere and visual craftsmanship. The snow-laden valleys, the unsettling silence, and the fog-wrapped woods — all captured with exquisite finesse. The cinematography is mesmerizing, while the editing, especially in the climax, keeps viewers on edge.
However, the film’s dark visual tone can be a bit challenging for small-screen viewing. Baramulla feels like a cinematic experience best suited for the big screen, where its eerie world can fully engulf the audience.
Performances
Manav Kaul once again delivers a layered and deeply emotional performance. He masterfully balances the duality of a tough police officer and a helpless father. Bhasha Sumbli as Gulnaar is remarkable — portraying both vulnerability and quiet strength. Their chemistry grounds the film emotionally, giving the supernatural tension a human heart. Supporting actors, too, play their parts with sincerity, adding depth to the story’s somber tone.
Direction and Writing
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale attempts a daring fusion — intertwining the trauma of Kashmiri Pandits, the scars of terrorism, and the mystique of supernatural forces. While the themes are compelling, the storytelling sometimes falters under their weight. There are moments where the film feels overstuffed, as if it’s trying to say too many things at once but can’t articulate them all clearly.
The film’s underlying message — that good and evil coexist in every community — is powerful but somewhat diluted by the uneven pacing and complex subplots. The first half moves at a slow burn, demanding patience before the story truly grips the viewer.
Verdict: Watch or Skip?
Baramulla is not your typical horror or thriller. It’s a thought-provoking, emotional experience that lingers more in your mind than in your nerves. Some scenes are deeply moving, especially where the past and present collide.
While its screenplay lacks precision, the film compensates with its haunting visuals, atmospheric tension, and stellar performances.
In essence, Baramulla is a cinematic journey through fear, faith, and forgotten wounds — a film that mesmerizes the eyes even if it doesn’t fully satisfy the mind.
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[Suditi Raje] is an experienced journalist and content creator, passionate about delivering stories that make an impact. At Newsisland, [she] specialize in political analysis, offering readers a deep dive into the issues that affect us all.
