The Buckingham Murders Movie Review
Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Kapil Redekar, Prabhleen Sandhu, Keith Allen, Assad Raja, Manish Gandhi
Director: Hansal Mehta
Language: Hindi/English
Available On: Theatrical Release
Runtime: 107 minutes
Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)
Plot Summary and Script Analysis
Director Hansal Mehta establishes a dark, haunting setting right from the opening scenes of The Buckingham Murders. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s character, Jass, is a grieving mother haunted by flashbacks of her son’s tragic death. As she delves into a murder investigation, she encounters a range of suspects, each with murky secrets, including societal issues like religious conflict, misogyny, and drug addiction. The screenplay, written by Aseem Arrora, remains tightly focused without unnecessary digressions, allowing the suspense to steadily build.
However, the plot’s intensity falters toward the climax. While the investigation setup is intriguing, the second half could have been more nuanced. Predictability creeps in, diminishing the suspense, and some supporting characters lack the depth to fully justify their actions, resulting in moments of confusion that dilute the impact of the film’s climax.
Star Performance
Kareena Kapoor Khan is undeniably the centerpiece of The Buckingham Murders, delivering a raw and powerful portrayal of a traumatized mother haunted by her past. Embracing a de-glamorized role, she channels Jass’s unresolved grief and PTSD, particularly in scenes where she holds on to her son’s belongings or confronts a traumatic memory. Moments of vulnerability blend with her character’s fierce resilience, as she boldly challenges those around her, adding layers to her role that resonate deeply.
Supporting performances are strong, especially Kapil Redekar as Saqib, the accused young man entangled in violence and addiction. His portrayal adds authenticity to the movie’s exploration of societal issues, grounding it in a brutal realism. Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu, and Keith Allen round out the cast with notable contributions that support the film’s ominous tone.
Direction and Music
Hansal Mehta crafts an engaging thriller, balancing suspense with a psychological depth that keeps viewers invested. Although the mystery could benefit from a tighter, less predictable screenplay, the narrative’s emotional stakes help sustain the film’s momentum. Mehta skillfully uses Jass’s journey as a reflection of her inner turmoil, allowing viewers to experience her fears and grief.
Musically, the track “Sada Pyaar Tut Gaya” captures the emotional tone of Jass’s journey, enhancing key scenes with its haunting melody. While the background score complements the thriller elements, it could have amplified the suspense in certain moments.
The Last Word
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s fans won’t want to miss this one. While The Buckingham Murders may feel predictable at times, the film’s psychological elements, combined with Kapoor’s raw performance, make it a worthwhile watch. It’s a solid addition to the crime thriller genre and should gain traction on OTT platforms, where its intimate narrative may resonate even more. A slightly more refined screenplay would have elevated it further, but overall, it’s an engaging, emotionally driven thriller.
Verdict: A well-acted murder mystery with a strong emotional core, ideal for thriller enthusiasts looking for a character-driven story.
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