Baramulla Review: Tulips, Trauma, And Terror Tie This Netflix Film Together
Baramulla is a sad, cold, and haunting portrayal of Kashmir, presenting the region in a starkly different light. The film distills its essence into three themes: trauma, terror, and tulips. It suggests that true horror lies not in ghosts but in the lasting trauma endured by the people here, much like in the style of The Haunting of Hill House.
Creative Team and Themes
Co-written by Aditya Dhar and Aditya Suhas Jambhale and directed by Jambhale, the film explores militancy issues in the Kashmir Valley. It attempts to shed the Kashmiri Pandit community's haunted past while weaving together elements of reality, psychology, and the supernatural.
Plot Overview
At 1 hour and 52 minutes, Baramulla balances the real and the surreal but sometimes becomes confusing, especially near the rushed climax. The story centers on DSP Ridwan Shafi Sayyed (Manav Kaul), who is transferred from Reasi to Baramulla to investigate the disappearance of six schoolboys during winter.
- Ridwan suspects militants are indoctrinating the boys with anti-India propaganda and abducting them for terrorist training across the border.
- The city is also facing increased stone-pelting incidents, adding to its tense atmosphere.
- Haunted by PTSD, Ridwan is joined by his wife Gulnaar, teenage daughter Noorie, and playful son Ayaan, forming a dysfunctional yet relatable family unit in a cold, unwelcoming place.
"Trauma is the real horror that people should be scared of and not ghosts."
The film portrays trauma as a lingering terror more profound than any supernatural threat, anchoring the emotional weight of the narrative.
Emotional Impact
Baramulla reflects the profound struggles of a community grappling with its wounds while navigating the blurred lines between fact and fear.
Author’s summary: Baramulla intricately blends psychological trauma and supernatural elements to reveal the deep scars left by militancy in Kashmir, portraying a tense, haunted atmosphere through a family’s eyes.