The Buckingham Murders Review: Is Hansal Mehta’s Direction a Hit or Miss? Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders has arrived, featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan in a role that promises intensity and depth. This crime thriller aims to weave a tale of suspense and drama, but does it succeed in keeping the audience hooked? Let’s explore.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Jaspreet Bhamra, known as Jass (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a detective who moves to Buckinghamshire to escape the trauma of her child’s death. On her first day in the new town, a child named Ishpreet goes missing, pulling Jass into a complex investigation. As she digs deeper, she uncovers layers of communal tension, personal vendettas, and hidden secrets, all while grappling with her own grief.
What Worked
Kareena Kapoor’s Performance: Kareena Kapoor Khan shines as Jass, delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. Her portrayal of a grieving mother and a determined detective is compelling and adds depth to the character.
Direction and Cinematography: Hansal Mehta’s direction is commendable, especially in handling the film’s darker themes. The cinematography effectively captures the eerie and tense atmosphere of Buckinghamshire, enhancing the overall mood of the film.
Social Commentary: The film addresses significant issues like communal tension and the struggles of the immigrant community. These elements add layers to the narrative, making it more than just a conventional thriller.
What Didn’t Work
Pacing Issues: The film suffers from uneven pacing. While the first half builds suspense effectively, the second half feels rushed, with too many plot points packed into a short timeframe.
Predictability: Despite its layered narrative, some plot twists are predictable. The film occasionally relies on familiar tropes, which might disappoint seasoned thriller enthusiasts.
Character Development: Some supporting characters, such as Jass’s colleague Hardy (Ash Tandon), could have been developed further. Their backstories and motivations are touched upon but not explored in depth.
Final Verdict
The Buckingham Murders is a well-crafted thriller that excels in performances and social commentary. However, its pacing issues and predictability prevent it from being a standout in the genre. Fans of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Hansal Mehta will find much to appreciate, but those seeking a tightly woven mystery might feel a bit let down. Overall, it’s a commendable effort that could have benefited from a more balanced execution.