Ateet Movie Plot Analysis | Ateet Movie Review | Zee 5 Original Film | Sanjay Suri, Priyamani, & Rajeev Khandelwal

Recently, I watched a horror film—Ateet. Before I begin, let me clarify that I’m not a big fan of horror films. I watched Ateet mainly for its actors: Priyamani, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Sanjay Suri. I’ve been a big fan of Rajeev’s acting since my school days. I loved watching his show Kahin Toh Hoga opposite Aamna Sharif. Besides, I have always been a fan of Sanjay Suri and Priyamani as well.

There were several reasons that compelled me to watch Ateet—the film’s title, talented actors, picturesque location, mystery, thrill, and of course, its trailer, which revealed something but concealed many other things.

Leaving aside the other elements of the film, it’s basically the story of a soldier who was presumed dead but returned to meet his little daughter after almost ten years. Now, the question arises: was he really alive or dead?

Ateet Plot Analysis

When we think of ghosts, spooky images come to mind. But don’t forget that looks can be deceptive.

In Ateet, Rajeev returns home out of nowhere. Ever since he came back, a lot of things can be noticed—the sudden change in Sanjay Suri’s (Vishwa) behavior, hallucinations, his shocking suicide; the army doctor’s wife sensing a presence in Vishwa’s house; the way Rajeev (Ateet)’s daughter behaved; and much more.

But what truly stole the show was how Ateet realized his mistake in the end.

When he was shown a mirror, he realized it was all over. He wasn’t Sanah’s dad anymore but a ghost. Ateet later claimed that he was neither fully alive nor dead. All he wanted was to see and love his daughter. He never intended to hurt either his ex-wife or his daughter. Eventually, at the end of the movie, he walked into a burning house, bringing an end to his misery.

Some stories always remain unfulfilled and don’t necessarily need a happy ending.

A Mystery or Magic?

It’s indeed a thoughtful film. Ghosts, sometimes, can be good—or at least not harmful—for the sake of their family. But as they say, you never know.

These films make you think beyond the obvious. You may never be certain who’s right and who’s wrong.

Whose fault was it anyway? Who was wrong?
Vishwa? Why? He helped a young widow and her daughter build a life anyone could dream of. He raised the girl as his own daughter.

Janvi? Well, she is a mother. In the end, she stood firm to protect her daughter from all odds and challenges, including Ateet.

Yes, she married Ateet first and then Vishwa (after presuming Ateet was dead at the battlefront), but she didn’t know Rajeev would return—alive, or perhaps half-alive.

In Conclusion

Now, would you put the entire blame on Ateet? Well, let me spill the beans!

By the time Ateet reached Janvi’s house for dinner with Sanah (his daughter), Janvi already knew the truth. Ateet just wanted to have dinner with them—just like a family.

When Ateet died, Sanah was too young to remember him. In the end, Ateet saved her life, risking his own. But he had already been a dead soul ever since he returned.