‘Baramulla’ Review: Manav Kaul Grounds a Haunting Thriller Where Trauma is the True Terror
A Supernatural Mystery That Weaves Kashmir’s Historical Grief into Its DNA
Netflix’s latest offering, ‘Baramulla’, is a film that refuses to be confined to a single genre. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the movie is a chilling, atmospheric blend of a police procedural, supernatural horror, and psychological drama, set against the stark, snow-draped beauty of the Kashmir Valley. Released on November 7, 2025, the film is anchored by a stellar performance from Manav Kaul, who guides the audience through a narrative where local crime is merely the surface of an ancient, unresolved wound.
‘Baramulla’ is an intelligent slow-burn that uses its supernatural elements not for cheap thrills, but as a potent, emotional allegory for the historical trauma and collective grief of the region.
The Plot: A Cop’s Dual Crisis
The film opens with the eerie disappearance of children in Baramulla, marked by the mysterious appearance of a wilting white tulip—a striking symbol of loss and silent suffering.
The investigation falls to DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul), a newly transferred officer who is already wrestling with the emotional fallout of a past professional mistake that left him estranged from his teenage daughter, Noorie (Arista Mehta). The professional crisis is compounded by a personal one when Ridwaan moves his family into an old, large, and visibly haunted colonial-era house.
The Supernatural and the Political
What elevates ‘Baramulla’ beyond a standard ghost story is its willingness to engage with the region’s volatile history. As the investigation continues, Ridwaan’s rational pursuit of a suspect—which initially points towards militants kidnapping children for radicalization—begins to collide with the paranormal events in his home. His wife, Gulnaar (Bhasha Sumbli), and children are increasingly tormented by spectral presences and inexplicable phenomena, forcing the disciplined officer to confront the unbelievable.
The film meticulously connects the dots, revealing that the ghosts haunting the house and influencing the present-day events are the unquiet spirits of a Kashmiri Pandit family tragically murdered during the violence of the 1990s exodus. This powerful narrative choice transforms the horror into a profound meditation on the generational fallout of historical injustice, where the ‘haunting’ is a plea for memory and justice that transcends religious or political divides.
Performance and Craftsmanship
Manav Kaul’s Measured Brilliance
Manav Kaul delivers a career-defining performance as DSP Ridwaan Sayyed. He is a masterclass in controlled vulnerability, portraying a man of logic slowly consumed by doubt and fear. His portrayal is restrained and deeply affecting, showing the personal toll of duty and trauma through his eyes and silences, making him the film’s undeniable emotional core. Bhasha Sumbli, as Gulnaar, complements this beautifully, embodying the quiet strength and rising desperation of a wife and mother fighting for her family’s sanity.
Atmosphere and Direction
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale demonstrates a sophisticated command over atmosphere. The cinematography is stunning, capturing Kashmir’s white, desolate winters with a haunting stillness that enhances the sense of dread. The pacing is intentionally slow in the first half, allowing the tension, character dynamics, and the house’s oppressive atmosphere to build organically. The film prioritizes an unsettling, persistent mood over cheap jump scares, making the emotional and historical revelations in the climax all the more impactful and heartbreaking.
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Verdict: A Haunting Reflection
‘Baramulla’ is a difficult but essential watch. It may not satisfy those seeking conventional, high-octane horror, but it is a triumph for viewers who appreciate mature, thought-provoking cinema. The film’s boldness in using the supernatural to explore a deeply sensitive political and social wound gives it a unique power. It is a story not just about ghosts, but about the terrifying consequences of unaddressed historical grief, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.
Rating: A sophisticated and deeply moving thriller that stays with you long after the final frame.