Baramulla REVIEW: Manav Kaul’s Horror Film Merges Horror And Small Town Tales With Skill, Nuance And Heart

Film:
Baramulla

Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale

Writer: Aditya Dhar (Story), Aditya Suhas Jambhale (Screenplay & dialogues)

Cast: Manav Kaul, Bhasha Sumbli, Arista Mehta, Shahid Mushtaq, Ashwini Koul, Shahid Latief

Runtime: 112 minutes (1 hour, 52 minutes)

Platform: On Netflix

Baramulla Review

Set in 2016, Baramulla – conceptualised by Aditya Dhar and written by Aditya Suhas Jambhale is a piece of art and cinema that will not only transport you to this small Jammu and Kashmir town but will also make you experience the plight of not only the Kashmiri Pandits but also the Kashmiri Muslims like never before.

Centered on the life of DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul) and his family who shift to Baramulla following the kidnapping of a former politicians son during a street magic show. But everything is not as it seems. Ridwaan – who shifts to the Kashmiri town with his wife, daughter and son after a traumatic experience that changes the family equations, is termed as ‘kaafir’ for being a police and taking down militans.

As he dives deeper into figuring out who is behind the kidnapping and why they are being kidnapped, a lot more secrets, conspiracies, drama and horror unfolds in the his very home. What are the secrets? How do they connect with the Kashmiri Pandits? Will his family ties improve or will it break beyond repair?

To know the answers, one has to watch Baramulla on Netflix and an advice – it you can watch it on a big screen (projection or a big TV) coupled with surround sound, the experience will be beyond anything you have felt to date

What Works

The screenplay penned by Aditya Suhas Jambhale is top-notch and beautifully weaves 2 timelines with such finish that it transports you back in time and still makes you beautiful in the present without trying too hard. Manav Kaul, Bhasha Sumbli and the others deliver natural performances making the horror film feel real and not scripted. The lighting, the cinematography and music also add to the viewing experience, making it one of the best films to release in 2025.

What Doesn’t Work

NOTHING. The first 30 minutes may seem slow and leave you wondering what’s happening, but once the tempo picks – from the very first jump scare, there is no holding back. It will keep you glued till the epilogue rolls in.

Baramulla Technical Analysis

Direction & Story

Aditya Suhas Jambhale has done a fabulous job in writing AND directing a film that tackles a subject that’s normally shown with loads of gore, bloodshed and views that always create controversy and violent situations From directing the family’s bonds to the shimmering uprise the is sure to blow up soon, he’s delivered way more than one will have expect.

Cinematography & Camerawork

The cinematography is top class – especially when it comes to capturing the subtle but breathtaking beauty of Kashmir. The set design clicks and transports you without any trouble to Baramulla.

The camera work is top class and the climax sequence will undoubtedly be one of the best sequences you have seen in Indian cinemas – it’s at par with the best of Hollywood.

Music

The film’s music and background score adds layers of drama, tension, suspense and emotions to the narrative, making an immersive watch.

Acting

Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli – who both hail from Kashmir, deliver a performance that will make you feel every emotion they go through.

Conclusion

Having seen hundreds of films this year – across languages and genres, Baramulla is undoubtedly one of the best watches of 2025. Do watch this film this weekend and treat yourself to a masterpiece that beautifully incorporates emotions, drama, politics, horror, family and folklore. DO. NOT. MISS. IT.

Watch the trailer of Baramulla here:

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Also Read: Jatadhara REVIEW: ‘Shiva’ Sudheer Babu VS ‘Dhana Pisachini’ Sonakshi Sinha Shine In A Mytho-Emotional Saga Of Faith, Fury & Redemption

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.