Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest film The Buckingham Murders, directed by renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta, has created a buzz among fans of crime-suspense thrillers. Set against the backdrop of a foreign location, this film delivers a compelling storyline, coupled with powerful performances, particularly from Kareena Kapoor Khan, who portrays a British-Indian detective.
In recent years, Kareena has become more selective about her roles, opting for challenging characters that require emotional depth and maturity. After impressing audiences with her work in Jaane Jaan and Crew, she takes on a new level of intensity in The Buckingham Murders, showing the audience a new dimension of her acting range.
The Plot of ‘The Buckingham Murders’
The story revolves around Jasmeet Bhamra, or Jas, a British-Indian detective played by Kareena Kapoor Khan. Jas is transferred to Buckingham, far away from her home, to escape the traumatic memories of her son’s tragic death. Her child was shot dead in an extremist attack, leaving her with an unimaginable grief that still haunts her. The film opens with Jas arriving in the quiet town of Buckingham to lead the investigation of a gruesome murder.
The murder victim is a 10-year-old boy named Ishpreet Kohli, whose death shakes the local Sikh community. The boy’s parents, Daljit (played by Ranveer Brar) and Preeti (Prabhleen Sandhu), are devastated by the loss, and their anguish only deepens as the investigation unfolds. Jas’s superior believes that by immersing herself in solving the case, she might find some temporary relief from her tragedy. But the case becomes more complex than expected, testing Jas’s resolve as both a mother and a detective.
A Murder Mystery Full of Twists
Jas’s investigation leads her to a Pakistani-British youth, Saqib Chaudhary, who is quickly arrested for the crime. However, Jas is not convinced of his guilt, even though her colleague Hardik Patel (Ash Tandon), who heads the police team, believes the case is closed. Hardik is eager to solve the case quickly, but Jas’s instincts tell her there is more to the story. As she delves deeper, the investigation exposes hidden tensions within the immigrant community, divided along lines of religion and national identity.
The film’s plot becomes a layered exploration of not just crime but the complicated web of human relationships, societal pressures, and personal tragedies. The case becomes a metaphor for Jas’s own life, as she struggles to come to terms with her son’s death while trying to deliver justice for another grieving family.
Kareena Kapoor’s Powerful Performance as Jasmeet Bhamra
Kareena Kapoor’s portrayal of Jas is the highlight of the film. She captures the essence of a grieving mother who is emotionally scarred yet fiercely determined to solve the case. Her controlled performance is impressive, reflecting the internal conflict between her personal loss and professional duty. In The Buckingham Murders, Kareena doesn’t shy away from showing her age or embracing the raw vulnerability of her character. This authenticity makes her portrayal even more impactful.
Kareena’s appearance and behavior in the film seem carefully crafted to fit the role of a seasoned detective. She looks every bit like a Hollywood crime drama heroine but with the added nuance of an Indian immigrant dealing with her pain in a foreign land. The emotional restraint she exhibits in the role keeps the film grounded and avoids melodrama, making her character both relatable and powerful.
Hansal Mehta’s Direction: A Deep Dive into Crime and Society
Hansal Mehta, known for films like Shahid and Aligarh, once again delivers a socially relevant narrative through The Buckingham Murders. While the murder mystery is at the core of the story, Mehta uses it as a canvas to explore larger societal issues. Through the film, he touches upon themes of politics, religion, gender identity, LGBTQ issues, and domestic violence, often blurring the lines between the personal and the political.
Though the film is slow-paced at times, it keeps the audience engaged by weaving in various subplots that enrich the central murder investigation. The film never loses its focus on the murder mystery but cleverly incorporates complex social issues, making the story multi-dimensional. The restrained narrative style and avoidance of excessive emotion allow the story to unfold naturally, maintaining suspense until the very end.
A Cast That Delivers: From Ranveer Brar to Ash Tandon
In addition to Kareena’s standout performance, the supporting cast adds depth to the film. Ranveer Brar, known more as a celebrity chef, surprises with his poignant portrayal of Daljit, the grieving father of the murdered child. His understated performance brings a rawness to the character that complements the film’s tone.
Ash Tandon, as Hardik Patel, perfectly captures the frustration and ambition of a detective who wants to close the case as quickly as possible. His clash with Jas adds tension to the storyline and offers a different perspective on police work. Prabhleen Sandhu is memorable in her role as Preeti, Ishpreet’s devastated mother, adding another emotional layer to the story.
Keith Allen and Kapil Redkar also provide strong performances in their respective roles, while Sarah Jane Dias leaves an impression in her brief appearance. The ensemble cast helps elevate the film, creating a well-rounded viewing experience.
A Cinematic Experience Enhanced by Technical Mastery
On the technical side, the film is well-crafted. Emma Delsman’s cinematography beautifully captures the bleakness and isolation of the town of Buckingham, which serves as a fitting backdrop for the story. The muted color palette and the atmospheric setting add to the film’s haunting tone.
The background score by Ketan Sodha is subtle but effective, heightening the tension without overshadowing the narrative. The film’s soundtrack, though not extraordinary, works well within the context of the story. The final song, in particular, leaves a lasting impact, helping to close the film on an emotional note that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
Why ‘The Buckingham Murders’ is Worth Watching
For fans of investigative crime dramas and layered human stories, The Buckingham Murders is a must-watch. Kareena Kapoor Khan delivers one of her finest performances, embodying a character that is complex, relatable, and emotionally resonant. Hansal Mehta’s direction brings depth and nuance to a story that explores not only crime but the fabric of society itself.
With a solid supporting cast, a gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes, The Buckingham Murders is a film that engages on multiple levels and is bound to leave an impression on viewers looking for more than just a typical murder mystery.
