Peeling Back the Layers:

Peeling Back the Layers: The Buckingham Murders Serves Gloom, Grief, and a Dash of Suspense. my quick take.

I must confess, I completely missed The Buckingham Murders during its theatrical release—probably because no one was screaming from the rooftops about it. Thankfully, Netflix swooped in to save the day, and I finally got to see Hansal Mehta venture into the world of murder mysteries. Yes, the man who gave us socio-political gems like Scam 1992 and Scoop decided it was time to play detective. And guess what? He’s done a surprisingly decent job for someone clearly out of his comfort zone.

Now, let’s dive into what works for this gloomy English countryside whodunit (and what doesn’t):

1.The Setting: It’s England, but not the postcard version. The film gives us muted colors and endless drizzle, practically screaming, “Hey, we’re serious and mysterious!” The visual gloom is so convincing it might just put you in the mood to solve a murder—or at least curl up with a blanket.

2.The Cast: Hansal Mehta’s genius move? Letting the British actors actually be British (no Tom Alters or BobCristos). No awkward accents or cringeworthy attempts at “posh” English here. And that alone is worth applause these days.

3.Kareena Kapoor Khan: Oh, Bebo! She strips off her usual glitz and glamour, throws on a trench coat, and becomes the brooding, grieving detective-mom. She’s convincing, raw, and absolutely stellar—but it’s also slightly unnerving to see her without eyeliner. Her performance carries the entire movie, proving that when she wants to, she can truly act.

4.Ranveer Brar’s Big Debut: Move over, soufflés and risottos! Ranveer Brar trades his chef’s whites for some acting chops, and surprisingly, he pulls it off. Who knew the man could cook up a decent performance too? Watch out Bollywood, the chef might just steal your jobs next.

5.The Plot: Imagine peeling an onion—layer by layer, tear by tear. That’s this movie’s script for you. What starts as a straightforward murder quickly spirals into a maze of twists, red herrings, and “Wait, what just happened?” moments. It’s gripping, if you can forgive the snail-like pacing at the start.

Of course, no movie is perfect. The opening act could have been trimmed down because we’re here for a murder mystery, not a moody documentary on grief. But once it picks up, it keeps you hooked.

Pro tip: Watch the “Hinglish” version on Netflix. It adds a pseudo-British flair that elevates the experience, even if the story isn’t exactly Sherlock-level genius. The desi version is fine, but let’s be real—you’re here for the atmospheric vibes.

In conclusion, The Buckingham Murders is a decent watch. Not groundbreaking, not life-changing, but solidly entertaining. Think of it as the movie equivalent of a rainy Sunday: cozy, occasionally dreary, and surprisingly satisfying. Thanks, Hansal Mehta, for showing us that even in England, murder is just another layer of the onion.