Netflix has just dropped the spine-chilling trailer for “Baramulla,” a supernatural thriller that marks a deeply personal homecoming for acclaimed actor Manav Kaul. The film, set to premiere on November 7, 2025, showcases the versatile performer in perhaps his most emotionally resonant role yet—as a police officer investigating mysterious child disappearances in his actual hometown of Baramulla, Kashmir.
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A Personal Journey Home for Manav Kaul
Manav Kaul portrays DSP Ridwaan Shafi Sayyid, a disciplined officer tasked with unraveling a series of disturbing child disappearances that plague the tranquil town of Baramulla. What makes this project extraordinary is the authentic connection between the actor and the setting—Kaul himself hails from Baramulla, making this script feel like “a sign from the universe” to tell his valley’s stories with honesty and love.
The trailer reveals a masterfully crafted atmosphere where the investigation transforms from a routine police case into something far more sinister and personal. As DSP Ridwaan settles into the town with his wife Gulnaar (Bhasha Sumbli) and their children, strange occurrences begin manifesting within their own home—mysterious footsteps, unexplained whispers, and the phantom scent of a dog that doesn’t exist.
Cast and Creative Team Excellence
| Role | Actor | Character Details |
|---|---|---|
| DSP Ridwaan Shafi Sayyid | Manav Kaul | Lead investigator, Kashmiri origin |
| Gulnaar | Bhasha Sumbli | Ridwaan’s wife |
| Noorie | Arista Mehta | Ridwaan’s daughter |
| Ayaan | Rohaan Singh | Ridwaan’s son |
Manav Kaul‘s involvement extends beyond mere acting—this represents a profound emotional investment. The actor describes the film as capturing “the mystique and stillness that defines Baramulla,” emphasizing that it’s “not loud horror” but rather “the kind that creeps up on you quietly”.
Director’s Vision and Storytelling Approach
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, working alongside creator Aditya Dhar, has crafted what appears to be a sophisticated blend of mystery and psychological horror. Jambhale explains that the story “begins as a mystery thriller, but slowly pulls you into something far more emotional and psychological”. The director emphasizes that the film explores fear not just as external supernatural elements, but as internal psychological phenomena—”the fear of what the mind refuses to accept.”
The collaboration between Jio Studios, B62 Studios, and Netflix has enabled the creators to achieve remarkable authenticity in representing Kashmir’s landscape and cultural nuances. The production quality evident in the trailer suggests a cinematic experience that respects both the region’s natural beauty and its complex socio-political realities.
Manav Kaul’s Artistic Evolution
This project represents a significant milestone in Manav Kaul‘s diverse career trajectory. Known for his compelling performances in films like “Tumhari Sulu,” “Badla,” and “Thappad,” Kaul has consistently chosen roles that challenge conventional storytelling. His transition from theatre director and playwright to acclaimed screen actor demonstrates his multifaceted artistic capabilities.
| Recent Notable Works | Year | Platform/Type |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 2023 | Film |
| Jalsa | 2022 | Netflix |
| Saina | 2021 | Film |
| Thappad | 2020 | Film |
| Baramulla | 2025 | Netflix |
Manav Kaul‘s literary background—he’s authored several books including the recently published novel “Rooh,” which explores his journey back to Kashmir—adds layers of authenticity to his portrayal of a character navigating the complexities of his homeland.
The Supernatural Elements and Kashmir Setting
The trailer suggests that “Baramulla” will explore supernatural themes through a distinctly Kashmiri lens. Rather than relying on conventional horror tropes, the film appears to focus on atmospheric tension where “silence feels heavier than sound”. This approach aligns with Manav Kaul‘s artistic sensibilities, which often explore themes of isolation, nostalgia, and existential questioning.
The Kashmir setting serves multiple narrative purposes—it provides breathtaking visual backdrop while simultaneously representing a region with deep historical complexities. As Ridwaan investigates the disappearances, he becomes “entangled in a web of secrets buried beneath the valley’s socio-political tensions”.
Technical Excellence and Production Values
The cinematography showcased in the trailer demonstrates exceptional visual storytelling, capturing Kashmir’s ethereal beauty while maintaining an underlying sense of unease. The production team has clearly invested in creating an authentic representation of the region, avoiding stereotypical portrayals that often plague mainstream cinema’s depiction of Kashmir.
Manav Kaul‘s involvement in this project extends beyond acting—his deep personal connection to Baramulla has influenced the film’s authentic representation of local culture, customs, and landscape. The actor’s commitment to telling “the valley’s story with honesty, sincerity, and love” permeates every frame of the trailer.
Industry Impact and Expectations
“Baramulla” arrives at a time when Indian streaming platforms are increasingly investing in high-quality, region-specific content. Manav Kaul‘s star power, combined with Netflix’s global reach, positions this supernatural thriller to achieve significant viewership both domestically and internationally.
The film’s approach to supernatural storytelling—emphasizing psychological depth over sensational scares—reflects a maturing of Indian horror cinema. Manav Kaul‘s involvement lends credibility to this evolution, given his reputation for choosing substantive, character-driven projects.
Cultural Significance and Representation
Beyond entertainment value, “Baramulla” represents important cultural storytelling. Manav Kaul‘s personal connection to the region ensures authentic representation often missing from mainstream portrayals of Kashmir. The actor’s statement that this project felt like an opportunity to “tell the stories of the valley with honesty” suggests deeper cultural significance beyond typical thriller narratives.
The film’s focus on missing children—a tragically relevant theme in conflict-affected regions—adds sociological weight to the supernatural framework. This combination of entertainment and social consciousness reflects Manav Kaul‘s artistic choices throughout his career.
A Promising Return to Roots
“Baramulla” promises to be more than just another supernatural thriller. Through Manav Kaul‘s passionate performance and deep personal investment, the film appears poised to deliver both compelling entertainment and meaningful cultural representation. The November 7 Netflix premiere will reveal whether this ambitious project successfully balances its supernatural elements with authentic regional storytelling.
For Manav Kaul, this represents not just another role, but a homecoming—an opportunity to showcase his homeland’s stories through his unique artistic lens. The trailer suggests audiences are in for a haunting, beautifully crafted experience that will indeed, as Kaul predicts, “stay with audiences long after the credits roll.”
FAQs
Who is Manav Kaul and what role does he play in Baramulla?
Manav Kaul is an acclaimed Indian actor, playwright, and author who stars as DSP Ridwaan Shafi Sayyid in “Baramulla.” He plays a police officer investigating mysterious child disappearances in Kashmir, which is actually his real hometown.
When will Baramulla release on Netflix?
“Baramulla” premieres exclusively on Netflix on November 7, 2025.
What makes Baramulla different from typical horror films?
According to Manav Kaul, “Baramulla” focuses on psychological horror rather than “loud horror,” emphasizing atmospheric tension where “silence feels heavier than sound” rather than conventional jump scares.
Is Manav Kaul really from Baramulla?
Yes, Manav Kaul was born in Baramulla, Kashmir in 1976, making his role in this film deeply personal and authentic to his own background.
Who directed Baramulla and what is the film about?
“Baramulla” is directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and created by Aditya Dhar. The supernatural thriller follows a police officer investigating child disappearances in Kashmir, with the investigation becoming increasingly personal and supernatural.
