Exploring Grief in Netflix’s Engaging Baramulla

Netflix’s latest Hindi film, directed by Manav Kaul, goes beyond mere scares—delving into sorrow, identity, and the devastation of a homeland left behind.

“Baramulla” eschews typical horror tropes. There are no exaggerated jump scares; rather, it confronts a deeper, enduring horror: the anguish of disconnection, loss of self, and the uprooting from familiar lands. This film, while initially posing as a thrilling mystery, transforms into a reflective journey on loss, exile, and memories of a distant homeland.

Centering on DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul), a steadfast officer on the trail of inexplicable child disappearances in Baramulla, Kashmir, the plot thickens such that the only remnant left are strands of hair. As the narrative unfolds like a procedural investigation, it intricately intertwines personal histories and unresolved traumas of those displaced.

Memory: The Real Horror

What makes “Baramulla” powerful is its ability to evoke dread not from fantastical horrors but rather from the weight of recollections. While it begins with a focus on political and procedural themes, the story gradually examines inner pain, memories, and truths. Ultimately, it shifts focus from mere crime narratives to themes of survival, acceptance, and the heavy burden of historical suffering.

Memorable Performances

Kaul delivers a compelling portrayal of Ridwaan—caught between obligations, regrets, and love, striving to make sense of a seemingly unjust world. His interactions with his teenage daughter are portrayed with a touching subtlety that feels authentically poignant.

Bhasha Sumbli shines as Ridwaan’s wife, balancing quiet strength with emotional turmoil, encapsulating the heavy silence of unvoiced grief while attempting to keep a fractured family intact.

A Resonant Climax

The film’s climax is where its heart lies. The horrors depicted are not fictitious but steeped in history. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s is presented not as mere spectacle but as a profound narrative. Baramulla avoids dramatizing sorrow; instead, it embodies it. The film achieves a sense of resolution, honoring untold stories and families divided by circumstance.

Although the initial pacing may waver, early efforts at creating suspense can seem excessive, especially given the film's core strength lies in its articulate stillness and emotional complexity. However, once it settles into its rhythm, Baramulla maintains a grip on the audience throughout.

Netflix is backing one of its most compelling Hindi originals in recent times. Thought-provoking, poignant, and nuanced, Baramulla serves as a reminder that storytelling can evoke deep emotions without reliance on traditional horror and provide insight without feeling contrived.