If you think horror movies don’t scare you anymore — think again. Netflix’s latest release Baramulla is not your average jump-scare fest. It’s a haunting supernatural mystery set against the breathtaking yet eerie backdrop of Kashmir’s snow-draped valleys. The film doesn’t just frighten you — it creeps into your mind, making you feel the terror long after it ends.
Directed by Aditya Subhash Jamle, who earlier helmed Article 370, this film proves yet again that he’s a master of thought-provoking, unconventional storytelling. With its unsettling realism, atmospheric cinematography, and powerful performances — especially from Manav Kaul — Baramulla stands out as one of Netflix India’s boldest supernatural thrillers of the year.
A Story Wrapped in Mist and Mystery:
The story unfolds in the cold, mist-covered town of Baramulla, Kashmir, where fear has quietly gripped the hearts of the locals. One by one, children begin to vanish mysteriously. There’s no trace, no ransom, no clues — just silence. Sometimes, a child disappears during school hours. Sometimes, they vanish from locked rooms or even in broad daylight. The police are left baffled.
When the situation spirals out of control, DSP Rivan Syed (Manav Kaul) is called in to investigate the case. A calm yet sharp officer, Rivan initially believes these are abductions — perhaps the work of a criminal gang. But as the investigation deepens, reality starts slipping away. The patterns, the timings, and the unexplainable signs point toward something otherworldly.
The further Rivan digs, the darker the secrets become. Soon, the line between logic and legend begins to blur.
Supernatural Shadows and Kashmiri Folklore:
Baramulla draws heavily from Kashmiri folklore — stories whispered across generations about spirits, shadows, and souls that wander the frozen valleys. The film smartly weaves these elements into a modern investigative narrative.
As DSP Rivan uncovers ancient symbols, strange rituals, and tales of vengeful spirits, the story becomes more psychological than procedural. Every clue seems to bring him closer to something he cannot explain — or perhaps something he does not want to believe.
The tension is subtle and unnerving. You won’t see ghosts jumping out of mirrors here. Instead, you’ll feel a creeping sense of dread, like someone — or something — is always watching.
Fear That Builds Slowly but Stays Long:
Unlike typical horror films that rely on loud music and sudden scares, Baramulla takes the slow-burn approach. It patiently builds its atmosphere — layer by layer — until fear seeps into your consciousness.
You’re not terrified by what you see but by what you don’t. The silence of Kashmir’s nights, the whispers carried by the wind, and the eerie stillness of old colonial houses — everything contributes to the film’s haunting tone.
By the time the supernatural elements fully reveal themselves, you’re already trapped inside the world of Baramulla, unable to look away. It’s intelligent horror — the kind that lingers.
Manav Kaul: The Soul of Baramulla:
Manav Kaul delivers one of his most intense performances as DSP Rivan Syed. His portrayal is nuanced — a mix of confidence, curiosity, and quiet fear. As the story progresses, we see him crumble internally, torn between logic and belief.
Kaul’s ability to emote through silence is commendable. There’s a scene where he stares into the fog, expressionless yet deeply unsettled — and that moment alone speaks volumes. His chemistry with his on-screen family (a wife, son, and daughter) adds an emotional layer to the story, grounding the supernatural events in raw human vulnerability.
The most chilling part? When the same strange occurrences begin to haunt his own family. The once-logical cop now becomes a desperate father trying to protect his children from forces he can’t understand.
Direction That Balances Fear and Beauty:
Director Aditya Subhash Jamle proves once again that he understands how to use silence, visuals, and atmosphere to tell a story. After Article 370, many expected another politically charged film, but Baramulla surprises with its psychological depth and artistic horror.
Jamle’s vision is clear: horror doesn’t always come from monsters; it can emerge from grief, guilt, and the unseen. His storytelling is mature, patient, and deeply cinematic.
Every frame feels purposeful. He doesn’t rely on CGI or gimmicks. Instead, the fear comes from authentic locations, eerie lighting, and natural soundscapes. The real homes and colonial architecture of Kashmir have been shot so beautifully that they almost become characters themselves — watching silently as tragedy unfolds.
Kashmir: The Land of Beauty and Unease:
Baramulla captures Kashmir like you’ve never seen before. It’s not just the postcard-perfect paradise we see in travel ads — it’s hauntingly real.
The cinematography showcases the raw, misty beauty of the valley — the frozen rivers, old wooden bridges, fog-covered pines, and deserted homes. These visuals contrast sharply with the film’s darkness, amplifying the eeriness.
What makes it more unsettling is that everything looks too real. The abandoned houses, the narrow lanes, and the old Kashmiri architecture feel authentic. It’s as if the mountains themselves hold secrets too old to be spoken aloud.
A Soundtrack That Sends Chills Down Your Spine:
Sound plays a crucial role in making Baramulla truly terrifying. The background score doesn’t scream at you — it whispers.
Low, humming tones blend with Kashmiri folk instruments, creating a soundscape that’s both beautiful and eerie. When you watch this movie with headphones, every creak, every breath, and every distant cry feels like it’s happening right behind you.
The sound design is so immersive that it transforms silence into fear. Sometimes, the absence of sound becomes scarier than any scream.
The Horror Within the Home:
As Rivan’s investigation spirals into madness, strange things begin happening in his own home. Doors creak open on their own. Shadows move without light. His daughter starts talking to someone unseen.
The terror escalates slowly — you don’t realize when the film’s mystery turns into something deeply personal. What was once just a police case becomes a desperate battle between man and the supernatural.
The domestic scenes are the most terrifying because they strike close to home. It’s not about the ghosts outside — it’s about the horror that walks inside your walls.
Symbolism and Subtlety:
Beyond fear, Baramulla also explores themes of faith, guilt, and the price of disbelief. The movie subtly questions whether the horror lies in the supernatural or within human nature itself.
Every frame, every shadow, carries symbolic meaning. The missing children, the recurring dreams, and the mist — all represent layers of unresolved trauma and suppressed truth.
Aditya Jamle uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the emotional scars of a land and its people. In doing so, he elevates Baramulla from being just a thriller to a work of psychological art.
The Climax: Fear Meets Revelation
Without giving away spoilers, the climax of Baramulla is unpredictable, emotional, and deeply unsettling. The final 20 minutes are pure cinematic brilliance — tying together the threads of folklore, grief, and faith in a heart-stopping way.
The revelation isn’t just shocking; it’s poetic. You’ll leave with questions that linger — about life, death, and the unseen energies that might connect them.
It’s not the kind of ending that gives you closure. Instead, it opens your mind — and chills your soul.
Performances That Leave an Impact:
Apart from Manav Kaul, the supporting cast deserves full credit for bringing authenticity to the story. The actors playing locals, police officers, and family members all add realism without overacting.
The child actors, in particular, deliver performances that are both innocent and eerie. Their fearful eyes and soft voices leave an emotional mark long after the movie ends.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Baramulla:
If you crave horror that’s smart, slow, and emotionally rich, Baramulla is a must-watch. It’s not a popcorn movie; it’s an experience — one that grows darker the more you think about it.
Here’s why it deserves your attention:
- 🎭 Brilliant Acting: Manav Kaul delivers a career-defining performance.
- 🎥 Atmospheric Direction: Aditya Subhash Jamle creates magic through mood, not jump scares.
- 🌫️ Haunting Visuals: Kashmir’s beauty hides a chilling menace.
- 🎧 Unforgettable Soundtrack: Every sound feels alive — and dangerous.
- 💀 Deep Symbolism: More than horror — it’s about loss, faith, and the unknown.
