November 10, 2024: Buckingham Murders plunges viewers into the gritty streets of London, weaving an intense narrative around Detective Sergeant Jaspreet Bamra, portrayed brilliantly by Kareena Kapoor. Following the tragic loss of her young child to a deranged shooter’s rampage, Bamra transfers to a new area, hoping for a fresh start. Her new precinct, however, is anything but peaceful, as it grapples with ethnic tensions between the Indian and Pakistani communities. The plot thickens when a local child named Ishpreet is found murdered, and the prime suspect is a young Muslim boy, Saqib. This murder case becomes the focal point of the story, dragging Bamra into a web of personal and cultural conflicts.
The name The Buckingham Murders is misleading as the name suggests its more likely to have a serial killer, Royalty involvement type of story, but its nothing like that, its basically just a story of the murder of a young Sikh boy Ishpreet.
The film skill-fully unravels complex layers of grief, prejudice, and justice as Bamra navigates her doubts over the integrity of the investigation, especially given the personal connection between her superior, an Indian-origin Detective Inspector, and the suspect’s family. it seems Ishpreet has suffered because of the differences between his Punjabi father Daljit (Ranveer Brar) and his Pakistani Muslim business partner Saleem. As the latter’s son Saqib is the prime suspect, the case threatens to snowball into a racial stir in the neighbourhood.
As she delves deeper, Bamra must confront her own biases and emotions to uncover the truth.
One of the standout elements of Buckingham Murders is Kareena Kapoor’s unfiltered, raw performance, alongside Ranveer Brar and the supporting cast.
Stripped of makeup and glamour, she commands every frame with a vulnerability that pulls audiences into her inner turmoil. Her portrayal of grief and determination is nuanced, making it easy to empathize with her journey. Kapoor’s performance is undoubtedly the heart of the film, grounding its intense storyline with genuine emotion.
The screenplay is taut and engaging, unraveling at a pace that keeps viewers hooked without over-complicating the plot. This simplicity works in its favor, allowing the narrative to shine without unnecessary twists or dramatics. Dialogues are sharp and direct, enhancing the realistic portrayal of the investigation. The editing is crisp, maintaining a steady flow, while the music and sound effects amplify the tension, adding depth to the story’s darker moments.
Despite its modest budget, the film feels polished, with attention to detail that enhances its atmosphere. However, while Buckingham Murders excels as an OTT release, its theatrical debut may have been a misstep. The film’s intimate, character-driven nature aligns well with the streaming experience, where viewers can appreciate its subtle intricacies.
In summary, Buckingham Murders is a gripping crime thriller with no loose ends or unnecessary frills. It’s a testament to Kareena Kapoor’s acting prowess and a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers.
