Netflix’s Baramulla, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, continues to generate discussion weeks after its release, with the film now finding space in academic discourse. A PhD student from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, has chosen the film as the subject of her research paper, marking an unusual but notable moment for the project.

EXCLUSIVE: Baramulla director Aditya Suhas Jambhale REACTS as Netflix film becomes subject of PhD research at Meerut University

The student, Prerana Bharti, is pursuing a doctorate in English Literature and recently reached out to the filmmaker to seek insights into the film’s themes and narrative layers. Reflecting on the interaction, Jambhale said the development took him by surprise.

“We have been a part of forums and sessions where we have interacted with the audience and understood that they have loved Baramulla immensely. I think they have understood the layering of the film and also built their own theories,” Jambhale said.

He noted that online engagement around the film has steadily grown, with viewers analysing its details and symbolism. “On YouTube, people have started making videos like ‘10 things you completely missed in Baramulla. Recently, I received a random message on Instagram from a student named Prerana Bharti, who responded to the film. Later, I got to know that she is a research scholar from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut. She is pursuing a PhD in English Literature and wants to do a research paper on Baramulla.”

According to the director, the student’s interest went beyond casual appreciation and involved a deeper academic inquiry into the film’s structure and ideas. “She asked me if I could help her with more information on Baramulla and had certain questions around it. It was such a surreal moment for me,” he recalled.

Jambhale added that her explanation for selecting the film stood out. “I wanted to know how she thought of doing a research paper on a film, and the reason was amazing — she said there is so much to explore in the film, having watched it thrice.”

The director shared that the student cited the film’s layered storytelling and symbolic elements as key reasons for her research focus. “I think Baramulla can define how the next genres of films will emerge — for example, how we would perceive horror in the next 10–15 years,” he said.

Calling the experience unexpected, Jambhale added, “It was a bizarre experience. I informed the makers as well about how a student wants to do a research paper on Baramulla. We have taken huge inspiration from this, but at the same time, it also carries weight because the next steps are going to be crucial. We have to do better than what we have done before.”

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