Baramulla Review: Tulips, Trauma, And Terror Tie This Netflix Film Together

Baramulla Review: Tulips, Trauma, and Terror Tie This Netflix Film Together

Netflix's Baramulla paints Kashmir in shades rarely seen on screen—somber, cold, and full of lingering ghosts from the past. The film blends elements of psychological, political, and supernatural horror, urging viewers to recognize trauma as the truest terror.

Story and Setting

Co-written by Aditya Dhar and Aditya Suhas Jambhale and directed by Jambhale, the film unfolds in the snow-covered landscapes of Baramulla. It grapples with the region’s militancy issues while exploring the unresolved grief of the Kashmiri Pandit community as they wrestle with their memories.

Plot Overview

DSP Ridwan Shafi Sayyed, portrayed by Manav Kaul, is reassigned from Reasi to Baramulla to investigate the disappearance of six schoolboys. Convinced that militants are indoctrinating children with anti-India propaganda before sending them for terrorist training across the border, Ridwan confronts both external threats and inner demons.

Character Depth and Family Dynamics

Haunted by his own PTSD, Ridwan arrives in Baramulla with his wife Gulnaar, their teenage daughter Noorie, and young son Ayaan. Their family dynamic is strained, exposing cracks that mirror the larger tension in the Valley. The city itself feels unwelcoming, amplifying their sense of unease.

Tone and Style

At one hour and fifty-two minutes, the narrative treads a fine line between the real and the supernatural. The pace quickens toward the climax, becoming intricate and slightly overwhelming as revelations pile up. Still, the movie’s chilling atmosphere and emotional gravity leave a lasting impression.

“Trauma is the real horror that people should be scared of and not ghosts.”

Verdict

While at times uneven, Baramulla succeeds in showing Kashmir as a place where memory, fear, and loss intertwine, creating a haunting cinematic experience that extends beyond traditional horror tropes.

Author’s Summary: A haunting portrayal of Kashmir where trauma overshadows ghosts, capturing the blurred lines between pain, politics, and the supernatural.

NDTV — 2025-11-07