‘Atmaharaam Live’: Horror Meets Social Media Obsession

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 29: In an era where digital validation often outweighs reality, Atmaharaam Live steps in with a dark reminder: the pursuit of likes can become a dangerous obsession. Released on 28 November 2025, the film attempts to merge horror, satire, and comedy into a commentary on modern social media culture. The ambition is clear, daring, and timely — though the execution occasionally struggles to match its intent.

A Premise Rooted in Today’s Digital Anxiety

Directed by newcomer Niharika Sahni, Atmaharaam Live ventures into a genre rarely explored in Hindi cinema — social media horror. At its center is Vaid Sharma, played by Vithal Chadha, a desperate content creator chasing relevance in a crowded online world. Along with his friend, portrayed by Akashdeep Singh, he designs an outrageous concept: filming eerie, supernatural-themed content in a cremation ground to attract views, likes, and a growing follower base.

The gamble pays off — at first. As the channel’s popularity rises, Vaid finds himself entangled in something far more sinister than he anticipated. The film drives home a central theme: exploiting tragedy for fame always comes at a cost. And in this world, the ghosts are not just special effects — they are real, relentless, and watching closely.

A Bold Concept with a Fresh Voice

The film is commendable in its premise. At a time when horror often relies on predictable tropes, Atmaharaam Live targets a very real modern fear — the insecurities and compulsions driven by online popularity. Its critique of validation-seeking behavior, voyeurism, and digital moral decline gives the story thematic weight.

Casting relatively new faces also works in the film’s favor. Without the distraction of celebrity presence, the narrative maintains a grounded tone. The performances aim to reflect genuine fear rather than star-driven theatrics, and this approach resonates with younger audiences familiar with the world of late-night livestreams, algorithm anxiety, and viral culture.

Where the Film Falters

However, despite its strong skeleton, the film struggles in its execution. The first act builds intrigue effectively, establishing Vaid’s desperation and the unsettling environment of the cremation-ground shoots. But once the supernatural elements intensify, the narrative loses its grip. The scares lack impact, the tension falters, and the horror tropes feel underdeveloped.

Vithal Chadha’s performance, though earnest, occasionally slips into inconsistency. Scenes intended to evoke dread sometimes feel diluted due to pacing issues and uneven dialogue delivery. Akashdeep Singh offers moments of comic relief, while Avyaana Sharma, as the emotional anchor, attempts to elevate the drama — but the inconsistencies in tone overshadow their efforts.

Satire That Could Have Hit Harder

The film’s intended satire—highlighting society’s growing insensitivity, the exploitation of tragedy for digital content, and the moral erosion behind viral fame—remains present but muted. Instead of a sharp, pointed critique, the commentary often feels faint, overshadowed by the film’s struggle to maintain tonal balance between horror and humor.

In horror, precision is crucial. Atmaharaam Live aims for a blend of chills and chuckles, but the mix isn’t always smooth.

A Lukewarm Reception

Early reactions reflect a divided audience. While some appreciate the film’s innovative theme and indie spirit, others find the storytelling unable to sustain its clever concept. Without standout box-office momentum or strong critical acclaim, the film currently appears to have made a modest impact.

A Step Forward — With Lessons for the Future

Despite its shortcomings, Atmaharaam Live contributes something meaningful to Indian horror cinema: ambition. It pushes for a new direction, one that reflects today’s digital culture and its darker implications. For emerging filmmakers, it serves as both inspiration and caution — showing that bold ideas demand equally sharp execution.

In the end, Atmaharaam Live is a reminder that horror does not need grand budgets to be effective. It needs courage, clarity, and emotional authenticity. And perhaps, with more refinement, this story could have delivered the punch its concept promised.

PNN Entertainment