The Indian film industry has long been known for its ability to merge powerful emotions with strong storytelling. With Baramulla, director Aditya Suhas Jambhale ventures into a darker, more complex realm — one that blends supernatural suspense with political undertones. At the heart of this intriguing tale is Manav Kaul, whose commanding performance elevates the film beyond a typical genre piece.
Setting the Tone: Mystery in the Mist
The film opens in the snow-covered valley of Baramulla, Kashmir, a region known as much for its natural beauty as for its troubled history. The visuals immediately set a haunting mood — the thick fog, abandoned roads, and echoing silence together create an atmosphere of unease. Jambhale uses the backdrop not just as a location, but as a living character, reflecting both mystery and melancholy.
The story begins when a mysterious disappearance shakes a small border village. The army steps in to investigate, but what starts as a routine probe quickly turns into a series of unexplainable, eerie events. There are whispers among the locals about strange sounds, ghostly figures, and secrets buried deep beneath the mountains.
Manav Kaul’s Commanding Performance
Manav Kaul plays Colonel Dev Mehra, an army officer sent to Baramulla to handle the situation. Known for his nuanced and layered acting, Kaul once again delivers a performance that’s both restrained and powerful. He doesn’t rely on loud heroics or dramatic gestures; instead, he carries the film through subtle expressions, quiet intensity, and moments of deep reflection.
As the film progresses, Dev Mehra finds himself confronting not only external threats but also his own inner demons. The supernatural events begin to mirror his personal guilt and buried trauma. Kaul portrays this transformation with remarkable depth — from a soldier hardened by duty to a man haunted by the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
Direction and Screenplay: A Balancing Act
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, best known for his work on Article 370, proves once again that he understands politically charged storytelling. In Baramulla, he doesn’t just focus on the supernatural elements; instead, he uses them as a metaphor for the lingering tension and fear in a conflict-ridden region.
The screenplay keeps the audience guessing. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, another twist reshapes your understanding. The dialogues are minimal but impactful, often relying on silence to build tension. Jambhale’s ability to combine spiritual folklore with modern-day politics adds layers to the narrative, making it both a thriller and a social commentary.
However, the second half of the film slightly loses its grip. The pacing slows down, and some scenes feel stretched. The ending, while emotional, leaves a few questions unanswered. But even then, Jambhale’s ambition to tackle such a bold mix of genres is commendable.
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Supporting Cast and Performances
Alongside Manav Kaul, the supporting cast adds richness to the story.
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Sayani Gupta delivers a strong performance as a local schoolteacher who becomes an unexpected ally to Colonel Mehra. Her character represents the voice of the common people — trapped between forces beyond their control.
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Rajit Kapur, as a retired army officer holding dark secrets, brings gravitas to the film.
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Neeraj Kabi, in a brief but memorable role, adds philosophical depth with his monologues about faith, truth, and redemption.
Each of these characters plays a crucial role in blurring the line between supernatural horror and psychological realism.
Cinematography and Music: Crafting the Atmosphere
Visually, Baramulla is stunning. Cinematographer Satyajit Pande (Setu) captures the rugged, icy terrain of Kashmir with breathtaking precision. The aerial shots of fog rolling over snow-covered mountains create an almost dreamlike tension — beautiful yet suffocating.
The use of low lighting, muted tones, and tight frames enhances the sense of confinement and paranoia. Every frame seems to hold a secret, much like the characters themselves.
The background score by Amit Trivedi is equally effective. It doesn’t overpower the visuals; instead, it creeps in subtly — with soft drums, echoing chants, and haunting strings. The music plays a psychological role, amplifying fear and emotion without ever being intrusive.
Themes: Between Faith, Fear, and Politics
What makes Baramulla stand out is its layered storytelling. It isn’t just about ghosts or war — it’s about the haunting that comes from within. The supernatural events serve as symbols for the unresolved pain of a land divided by ideology and violence.
Through Colonel Mehra’s journey, the film explores questions like:
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What does it mean to protect a land when the land itself seems cursed?
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Can a man of duty also be a man of doubt?
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And can belief heal what fear destroys?
The film also subtly addresses the us vs them narrative often found in politically sensitive stories. While it acknowledges the presence of militant conflict, it also shows the human side of every person caught in it — soldiers, villagers, even those labeled as enemies.
Where the Film Stumbles
While Baramulla succeeds in mood and message, it occasionally struggles with clarity. The merging of politics and the supernatural, though ambitious, can feel confusing to viewers expecting a straightforward thriller. Some subplots — especially those related to the army’s internal operations — remain underdeveloped.
Moreover, the second half could have used tighter editing. The emotional core remains strong, but the pacing slightly dilutes the suspense built so beautifully in the first hour.
Why You Should Watch Baramulla
Despite its flaws, Baramulla is a film that deserves attention for its courage, craft, and conviction. It’s rare to see an Indian film that takes such creative risks — blending horror, mystery, and political commentary into one coherent narrative.
Manav Kaul’s performance alone makes it worth watching. He brings a rare mix of vulnerability and strength that few actors can pull off. Director Jambhale’s vision — of a valley that hides more than it reveals — lingers long after the credits roll.
The film doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or predictable patriotism. Instead, it invites you to think, feel, and question what you see. Baramulla is not just a supernatural thriller; it’s a psychological exploration of guilt, identity, and the cost of survival in a fractured land.
Final Verdict
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5
Baramulla is a visually striking, emotionally charged, and thematically ambitious film that blends the supernatural with political tension in a unique way. Manav Kaul’s standout performance, combined with Jambhale’s direction, ensures that this thriller will be remembered for more than its scares — it will be remembered for its soul.
