A gritty, ripped-from-the-headlines police procedural might describe countless films and TV series, but when given to a renowned filmmaker, it takes on a unique twist. That’s exactly what Indian director Hansal Mehta brings to The Buckingham Murders. Known for his bold socio-political films in Bollywood, Hansal steps out of his usual space, filming entirely on location in rural England with a predominantly British crew. However, he does bring one vital element from India — the film is headlined by Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor, who also makes her debut as a producer with this project.

The Buckingham Murders centers around Detective Jaspreet Bhamra (played by Kareena), a grieving mother still coping with the murder of her son. After moving to Buckinghamshire, she is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a child, which leads her into a complex conflict between Hindu and Muslim communities. This storyline draws from real-life events, particularly the 2022 riots in Leicester, where tensions between these communities led to over 50 arrests.

Hansal Mehta, who won India’s National Film Award for Best Director in 2013 for Shahid, expertly balances the film’s narrative, character depth, and social reflection. In an interview following the film’s premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, he shared insights into the process behind making the film and its thematic underpinnings.

Origins and Challenges

The idea for The Buckingham Murders came from writer Aseem Arrora, who initially pitched the crime detective story set in the UK. Hansal was intrigued, particularly by the opportunity to explore themes like grief, isolation, and motherhood through this genre. He was also determined to make a film that would feel both local to England and universally appealing, rather than fitting the mold of a typical Bollywood production abroad. The project, which began development in 2019, faced multiple delays, including during the pandemic, and also went through various narrative shifts before finding its balance between being a murder mystery and a human drama.

When asked about having a female protagonist in a predominantly male-dominated crime genre, Hansal said it was part of the original story, and that drew him to the project. Working with Kareena Kapoor, who signed on in late 2020, was another highlight. Despite her long-standing stardom, Hansal admired her willingness to challenge herself and push her boundaries as an actor.

Cultural and Procedural Insights

One of the key themes in the film is the division between Hindu and Muslim communities, something Hansal has explored in his previous work. He believes that issues of identity and polarization are recurring motifs in his storytelling, with The Buckingham Murders providing a platform to explore these through the lens of a British setting.

Hansal also had to navigate the stark differences between British and Indian law enforcement. While the initial interpretation of the story leaned heavily on Indian policing procedures, it became clear that significant changes were needed. For example, detectives in the UK are not typically uniformed officers with guns, so the investigation became more of a mental challenge than a physical one. British consultants were brought in to ensure the accuracy of the procedural elements, with the production team, including British women in key roles like costume design and production design, helping bring authenticity to the film.

Working with a largely British crew was a unique experience for Hansal. While he brought fresh eyes to the location, viewing it with the fascination of an outsider, the British crew helped ground the film in its human drama. Together, they crafted a story that seamlessly blends English and Hindi, ensuring it resonates with both Hindi and English-speaking audiences. This delicate balance was one of the film’s significant challenges, but Hansal was determined to make the language transitions feel natural, ensuring the film would connect with diverse audiences.