No, The Buckingham Murders is not based on a true story or any specific real-life murder case and events. The Buckingham Murders is a 2023 Indian crime thriller film, directed by Hansal Mehta. It is written by Aseem Arrora, Raghav Raj Kakker and Kashyap Kapoor. Produced by Kareena Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, the movie features Kareena Kapoor in the lead role.
The Buckingham Murders is entirely fictional. The murder mystery, which is central to the movie, is imaginary and invented by the writers. However, certain elements in the movie draw inspiration from real-world themes and experiences. Many people have compared the movie with the American series, Mare of Easttown.
Plot Summary
British Indian detective Jasmeet Bhamra is grieving the senseless murder of her son, who was shot dead by a drug-addicted gunman. In order to ease her trauma and guilt, she transfers to a peaceful posting in Buckinghamshire. In Buckinghamshire, she is assigned the murder case of a 10-year-old boy named Ishpreet Kohli.
Working alongside her superior, DI Hardik Patel, Jasmeet launches an investigation, starting with the interview of Ishpreet’s parents, Daljeet and Preeti Kohli. She begins uncovering family secrets, including a troubled marriage, hidden affairs and financial troubles. However, the investigation points towards a communal angle, with two Muslim teenagers, Saquib and Naved, becoming the prime suspects.
Consequently, the investigation triggers communal tensions in the already polarised and divided immigrant community in Buckinghamshire. As Jasmeet digs deeper into the case, she encounters multiple red herrings, corruption within the local police force and a complex cover-up. However, despite her emotional state, Jasmeet solves the case and uncovers the identity of the murderer, in a shocking twist.
After solving the murder mystery, Jasmeet begins her slow journey towards closure over her son’s death.
Real Life Inspirations
The Buckinghamshire Murders touches upon the real-life communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in the United Kingdom. As per some reviews, the movie draws loose inspiration from the 2022 Leicester riots between the two communities. The struggles and isolation faced by the immigrant community in UK has also been integrated into the plot.
Kareena Kapoor’s character of a grieving mother investigating a child’s murder has similarities with the character played by Kate Winslet in the HBO series, Mare of Easttown. However, there is no evidence that the movie itself is based on that particular series.