The Buckingham Murders Review: A Slow-Burn Crime Thriller with Kareena Kapoor at Her Best!

The Buckingham Murders is not your typical crime thriller. Directed by Hansal Mehta, this film takes a different approach, focusing more on emotional depth and character development rather than just the mystery. It stars Kareena Kapoor as Sergeant Jasmeet ‘Jass’ Bhamra, a grieving mother who is thrown into a new case while still coping with the tragic loss of her own son. The movie explores themes of grief, justice, and personal struggle while staying grounded in the tense atmosphere of a crime investigation.

Plot Overview

The story centers around Jasmeet Bhamra, a sergeant in Buckinghamshire, who is still mourning the death of her son, Ekam. When she is assigned to investigate the case of a missing boy named Ishpreet, who is around the same age as her son, she initially refuses to take it on. However, duty calls, and she eventually begins her investigation. Ishpreet’s parents, Daljeet Kohli (Ranveer Brar) and Preeti Kohli (Prabhleen Kaur), have a strained relationship, which adds another layer of complexity to the case.

As the investigation unfolds, Ishpreet is found dead, and new revelations bring forward deeper, darker angles. The film touches upon various themes like drug abuse, strained family dynamics, and even gender identity, which add depth to the otherwise straightforward crime investigation.

What Works

Set against the backdrop of Buckinghamshire, The Buckingham Murders is a slow-burning film that takes its time to build up. Hansal Mehta, known for his precise storytelling, quickly addresses Jasmeet’s personal grief within the first few minutes, allowing the film to focus on the case at hand. The plot is woven around the 2022 Leicester Hindu-Muslim unrest that followed the India-Pakistan cricket match, adding an additional layer of tension. Writer Aseem Arrora skillfully integrates these real-life events into the narrative without making the film feel preachy. The film’s message, “Justice trumps religion,” is subtle and doesn’t overpower the storyline.

The first half of the movie may feel a bit slow, with no major twists or high points before the intermission. The intermission itself appears surprisingly early, just 40 minutes into the film. However, once the second half begins, the pace picks up as Jasmeet delves deeper into the case, trying to piece together how Ishpreet died.

If you’re a fan of crime thrillers like Crime Patrol, you may be able to guess the mystery before the big reveal. But the film doesn't rely solely on its twists; it’s more about the emotional journey of the characters. Themes of drug abuse and gender identities are explored thoughtfully, adding more layers to the narrative.

Kareena Kapoor’s Standout Performance

Kareena Kapoor’s portrayal of Jasmeet is the emotional core of The Buckingham Murders. Known for her versatile roles, from the bubbly Geet in Jab We Met to her more recent character in Crew, Kareena delivers a restrained and deeply emotional performance. Her portrayal of grief, anger, and frustration is mostly subtle, although there’s one scene where she screams in frustration, which feels a bit clichéd.

What stands out is that Kareena’s star power doesn’t overshadow the story or the other characters. The film is not a vanity project, which is often the case with self-financed films. Instead, it allows the supporting cast to shine, making the overall narrative more cohesive.

Supporting Cast and Direction

Ranveer Brar, better known as a celebrity chef, surprises with his strong performance as the short-tempered Daljeet Kohli. He proves that he’s capable of much more than just cooking shows. Prabhleen Kaur, as Preeti Kohli, is equally impressive, playing her role with a delicate balance of innocence and complexity. The casting by Mukesh Chhabra and Shakyra Dowling is spot on, with every actor fitting their role perfectly.

Hansal Mehta’s direction keeps the film grounded. The movie doesn’t aim for shocking twists or big reveals but stays true to its slow-burn nature. This makes The Buckingham Murders feel more like a character study than a typical crime thriller. While this approach might not appeal to a mass audience, it certainly caters to viewers who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

Final Thoughts

The Buckingham Murders delivers exactly what it promises: a slow-paced, emotional crime drama that explores grief, justice, and personal battles. While the story doesn’t pack any major surprises, it remains engaging due to strong performances, especially by Kareena Kapoor. It may not be a box office hit due to its niche appeal, but it’s a film that could find an audience with those who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven narratives.