When a filmmaker describes a setting as “alive,” breathing through every frame of a film, it sets high expectations. Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s Baramulla doesn’t just meet these expectations—it transcends them, delivering one of the most unique cinematic experiences to recently hit streaming platforms .
This isn’t just another supernatural thriller chasing jump scares. Baramulla represents something rarer in Indian cinema: a genre film that uses supernatural elements as metaphors for deeper historical and political wounds. With Manav Kaul delivering a career-defining performance, this Netflix original manages to be both entertaining and emotionally resonant, a ghost story where the real haunts come from history rather than horror tropes.
“Baramulla stands out for being a fantastic blend of psychological, physical, political, historical and cinematic horror.” – News18
Baramulla: Key Details at a Glance
For those seeking quick facts about the film, here are the essential details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Director | Aditya Suhas Jambhale |
| Lead Actor | Manav Kaul |
| Genre | Supernatural thriller with political subtext |
| Runtime | 1 hour 52 minutes |
| Rating | 3.5/5 (critical average) |
More Than a Ghost Story: The Weight of History
At surface level, Baramulla follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (Manav Kaul), a no-nonsense police officer investigating mysterious disappearances of children in Kashmir’s Baramulla district . The children vanish without trace, leaving behind only their scissor-cut hair as evidence .
But as Ridwaan delves deeper, the investigation transforms from a criminal procedural into something far more layered and devastating—a journey into the unhealed wounds of history and buried cries of the displaced . The film gradually reveals itself as a meditation on grief, exile, and the ghosts of a homeland long-lost .
The supernatural elements emerge through the Sayyed family’s experiences in their new home, where they encounter the spirits of a Kashmiri Pandit family that suffered inhuman atrocities in the same house years earlier . This intermingling of the worldly and otherworldly allows the filmmakers to comment on the suffering and struggles Kashmiri Pandits endured during the catastrophic exodus of the 1990s .
A Masterful Blend of Genres and Tones
What makes Baramulla particularly noteworthy is its seamless genre integration. The film refuses to be pigeonholed, instead weaving together multiple narrative threads into a cohesive whole:
- Supernatural Thriller: The film employs classic horror elements—eerie sounds, unexplained smells, flickering lights, and the constant feeling of being watched . Yet these elements feel atmospheric rather than cheaply manipulative, creating unease without overrelying on jump scares .
- Political Commentary: Baramulla makes audacious commentary on Kashmir’s socio-political unrest . It explores how radicalism and extremist ideologies spare no one—Hindus, Muslims, women, men, and children all suffer in conflict zones .
- Family Drama: At its emotional core, the film is about a family struggling with PTSD from past trauma while facing new supernatural threats . The family dynamics feel restrained and painfully real, particularly between Ridwaan and his teenage daughter .
Critics have noted that “the blend of genres is also interesting to watch, as the film juggles tones in a balanced way, adding moments of real intrigue. It is a crime investigation, a family drama, a revenge story. At one moment, it feels like a mystery, the next like a thriller, and then takes an unexpected emotional turn” .
Standing Ovation for Manav Kaul’s Performance
Manav Kaul delivers what many critics are calling one of his most haunting performances yet . His portrayal of DSP Ridwaan Sayyed—a man of duty haunted by doubt, a father torn between guilt and love, a cop trying to do right in a world that no longer feels right—is magnetic .
Kaul brings intensity to every frame, commanding attention without raising his voice . His scenes with his teenage daughter are particularly affecting, described as “restrained and painfully real” . The performance is so compelling that one review expressed wish that it “had the vastness of a theatrical release to breathe fully; Kaul’s work deserves the big screen” .
Bhasha Sumbli, who plays Ridwaan’s wife Gulnaar, delivers an equally powerful performance. Reviewers note she embodies both “silence and storm,” capturing the weight of unspoken grief and the struggle to hold her family together even as her own heart fractures . Child actors Arista Mehta and Rohaan Singh also impress, rendering elements of intrigue, grit, and gumption to the story .
Visual Storytelling That Amplifies the Narrative
The film’s technical achievements significantly contribute to its impact. Cinematographer Arnold Fernandes deserves particular recognition for creating what one review described as “an atmosphere of suffocation that also reeks of gunpowder, death and fear” .
Fernandes employs a single swirling shot that effectively connects timelines—transitioning from the 1990s when the Saprus (the Kashmiri Pandit family) were left to die at the hands of Kashmiri Muslims to the Sayyeds in 2016 fighting for their lives during a terrorist attack on their home . This technique visually reinforces the film’s central theme that “violence doesn’t discriminate” .
Where the Film Stumbles
Despite its considerable strengths, Baramulla isn’t flawless. Most critics note the uneven first half, where the pacing falters and the narrative takes time to find its grip .
One review specifically mentioned that “the early ‘scare’ moments feel unnecessary—especially when the film’s true power lies in stillness, not shock” . Additionally, a few plot points aren’t explored as thoroughly as they could be, and Kaul’s protagonist is “largely pushed into the corner once the twist is revealed” .
Why Baramulla Matters in Indian Cinema
In a streaming landscape crowded with horror-comedies and formulaic thrillers, Baramulla stands apart as mature, mindful storytelling . It represents a bold leap for Indian narrative ambition, proving that genre films can tackle complex historical and political themes without becoming preachy or losing entertainment value .
As one critic aptly summarized, “After a string of shallow, forgettable titles this year, ‘Baramulla’ stands as a reminder that storytelling, when truthfully done, can haunt without horror and heal without sentimentality” .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baramulla based on a true story?
While Baramulla is a fictional supernatural thriller, it incorporates historical context about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of the early 1990s . The specific characters and events are creations for the film, but the underlying tensions and tragedies reflect real historical wounds.
Where can I watch Baramulla?
Baramulla is available exclusively on Netflix globally starting November 7, 2025 . You’ll need an active Netflix subscription to stream it.
Who is the director of Baramulla?
The film is directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, with Aditya Dhar as producer . Jambhale previously directed the political drama Article 370, and this film marks his return to Kashmir-themed storytelling .
What does the title Baramulla refer to?
Baramulla is an actual district in Jammu and Kashmir, known for its picturesque beauty and complex history . The title also holds personal significance for lead actor Manav Kaul, who was born in Baramulla before his Kashmiri Pandit family relocated .
The Final Verdict
Baramulla succeeds where many Indian genre films have struggled—it balances entertainment with substance, supernatural elements with political commentary, and personal drama with historical resonance. While its uneven pacing might test some viewers initially, the powerful climax and profound emotional payoff make the journey worthwhile.
This isn’t just a film about ghosts; it’s about the ghosts of history that continue to haunt the present. For viewers seeking a thriller that engages both the intellect and emotions, Baramulla is well worth your time.
Baramulla is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. Have you watched it yet? Share your thoughts on the film’s powerful blending of supernatural thrills and political commentary in the comments below.
