Ateet Review: A Dramatic Suspense Story That Proves Everything Is Fair In Love And War

Ateet is a psychological horror film that will send chills down your spine. This film stars Sanjay Suri, Rajeev Khandelwal and Priyamani who depict the feelings of love, betrayal and horror in the film perfectly. The film is directed by Tanuj Bhramar, whose family was part of the Indian Army. He is therefore well versed with the world of army officials living in Ooty, and that is pretty obvious even in the way he has created his characters, like that of Sanjay Suri and Rajeev Khandelwal, in the film.

Watch the trailer for Ateet here.

After Captain Ateet Rana (Rajeev Khandelwal) is declared killed in action, his senior Vishwa Karma (Sanjay Suri) takes on the responsibility of Ateet’s wife Janvi (Priya Mani) and daughter Sana. They live together as a family for 10 years, trying to hide any details about Ateet, from Sana. The tables are turned when Ateet Rana returns home after 10 years, and wants to live with his family once again. He also threatens to expose a dark truth from Vishwa’s past.

The story builds gradually with Vishwa Karma about to become a colonel, but he is slowly losing his place in his own family. Sanjay Suri is convincing in the role of a strict and disciplined man who is driven to the brink of madness. The lies he built his life on and the way he is threatened to be exposed when Ateet returns is an interesting twist.

Rajeev Khandelwal as Ateet is the most eye-catching character of the film, and seeing him as an army commander will remind you of his Left Right Left days. He returns from the brink of death after 10 years, battling PTSD and trying to win back his family. He also wants to take revenge on Vishwa Karma, who he accuses of getting an entire platoon killed purposely. He loves Janvi and his daughter Sana, but is unable to meet them because the military doctors still want to keep a check on him.

Janvi (Priya Mani) faces the most conflict in this film, as she doesn’t know who to believe; her ex-husband or her current husband. She decides to forget about herself and do what’s best for her daughter. The character names could not be more apt especially with Ateet who is like a blast from the past. Even Vishwa Karma is facing the consequences of his bad Karma. Interestingly, the dialogue “I see dead people”, which is synonymous with horror films, is changed to “I see dead soliders” in this film.

The director Tanuj Bhramar is very familiar with the way life in an army cantonment works. All the supporting cast also comprise of army officials, including an army doctor. The mood of the film is grim and grey for the most part. However, for a film that is based on a war, the main battle itself is quite vague with no specific name, enemy or time period associated to it.

There are a couple of romantic songs, one of which is a playful romantic song by Sonu Nigam. The background music of this film is not from your run-of-the-mill horror film, yet it still manages to spook you! The real USP of this story is that just when you feel that the main mystery has been solved, you are faced with a whole new and darker mystery.

Watch this film for a gripping story that delivers a deadly climax. You can also watch Rajeev Khandelwal play the role of an injured Air Force Pilot in coma, in the short film Heartbeat streaming on ZEE5. Sanjay Suri has also played a vital role in the ZEE5 Original series Bhram, another psychological thriller on ZEE5.

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