Aatmaram Live Review: A Refreshing Horror-Comedy That Tackles Social Media Obsession
ENTERTAINMENT
Debut director Niharika Sahni delivers a bold, entertaining blend of horror and comedy that reflects today’s social media frenzy, backed by fresh faces and a sharp concept.
New Delhi: 27 November 2025
The latest release Aatmaram Live marks the feature directorial debut of young filmmaker Niharika Sahni, who enters the industry with a bold concept and an entirely new cast. Released this week in select theatres, the film stands out for addressing a theme that mainstream cinema rarely touches — the dangerous obsession among today’s youth with instant social media fame.
Without relying on big stars or budgets, the film attempts to expose how the dream of becoming an overnight internet sensation can push individuals into unexpected, even bizarre, territories.
Story
The film follows a small-town young man who aspires to become a social media influencer. While his father hopes he will secure a stable future through a B.Tech degree, all he wants is to go viral. Living in a cramped rented room, he teams up with his landlord’s friendly Sikh son, but their content attempts repeatedly flop.
Their luck changes—unexpectedly—after they visit a cremation ground for the funeral of his friend’s grandfather. While filming horror-themed videos in the eerie location, the protagonist accidentally steps on the ashes of a burning pyre, unknowingly carrying some residue home in his shoe.
What follows is a chaotic string of supernatural and comedic events. Their horror videos begin to go viral overnight, but they also find themselves haunted by the unsettling presence of “Aatmaram,” whose spirit starts influencing their lives. Amid this turmoil, a young woman named Vaishnavi—grieving the loss of her grandmother—gets entangled in their strange and spooky journey.
Direction & Presentation
For a debut filmmaker, Niharika Sahni showcases notable confidence. Working with limited resources, no established actors, and an unconventional theme, she still manages to bring freshness and life to the narrative.
The film offers clever commentary on the compulsive need to stay online, the constant chase for validation, and the pressure to stay relevant. Humour is balanced well with eerie elements, reminiscent of the tone popularized by the Stree franchise — rooted in Indian rituals, beliefs, and everyday realities.
Technical Credits
- Director, Screenwriter, Producer: Niharika Sahni
- Music Producer: Ankit Deepak Tiwari
- Cast: Vithal Chadha, Akashdeep Singh, Avyaana Sharma
The first half moves at a slower pace, but the post-interval stretch picks up significantly, maintaining a tight grip on the audience right up to the climax.
Final Verdict
Aatmaram Live emerges as a refreshing and experimental addition to India’s growing horror-comedy genre. Despite its modest scale and unfamiliar cast, the film succeeds because of its sharp concept, relatable humour, and clever execution.
With the makers now preparing for an international release, the film may find an even wider audience abroad.
Overall — A quirky, entertaining mix of horror, comedy, and social media satire. Definitely worth a watch.