‘Baramulla’ Movie Review: Horror Lies In The Eyes of the Beholder
Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s film merges partisan politics with supernatural horror, creating a complex narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
Release Details
- Release date: Friday, November 7
- Cast: Manav Kaul, Bhasha Sumbli, Arista Mehta, Vikas Shukla, Mir Sarwar, Neelofar Hamid
- Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
- Screenwriters: Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Aditya Dhar, Monal Thaakar
Plot Overview
The film opens with a memorable single shot of a flower bud in the snow that captures the attention of Shoaib, a young boy. Unlike typical scenes that end in violence, the camera gently pans away as Shoaib walks into the distance. Soon after, he vanishes during a local magic show.
DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, portrayed by Manav Kaul, is called in to investigate the disappearance. Shoaib is the son of a former MLA, and more children from the same school start to go missing.
Investigation and Conflict
Ridwaan’s search is grounded in reality, revealing a militant group responsible for the kidnappings. The leader, a shadowy figure known as “Bhaijaan,” uses sinister farming metaphors to describe their recruitment efforts. The militants’ networks and command structure are exposed as Ridwaan and his team trace their movements in a storyline inspired by the aftermath of the 2016 attack.
Supernatural Element
Alongside the political thriller, the film explores a supernatural thread connected to Ridwaan’s home, adding another layer of suspense and unease.
“Sneaky, scary, worryingly persuasive.”
Baramulla's blending of political tension with eerie horror invites viewers to question what horror truly means.
Author's summary: The film interweaves real-world militant threats with supernatural mystery, resulting in a haunting narrative that challenges perceptions of fear and reality.