“Neeli Zinda Hai” is one of the more unique stories on Pakistani television right now. Falling under the horror genre, this drama deals with a trouble-making ghost Neeli, played by Urwa Hocane, who not only troubles those living in “her” house, but also wants their daughter for herself. Starring Urwa Hocane, Sonia Mishal, Mohib Mirza, Kinza Malik, Mohammad Ahmed and others, the story has been written by Adeel Razaq and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed.
In episode 28, we wee that back at home, Fahim (Mohammad Ahmed), Bano (Kinza Malik) and Aaliyah (Aliya Ali) are feeling better, believing that things are improving regarding their household spirit. Unfortunately, their hopes are premature as Neeli is absent, sure, but it’s because she is currently with Aman (Mohib Mirza) and Minal. Fortunately, this drama does not drag out too long, as Sumbal (Sonia Mishal) makes her way home. She is quickly locked up by Bano, who is as ridiculous as ever, accusing Sumbal of being a “dayyan.” Well, if she were the “dayyan,” she would not be contained by a locked room, would she? Fahim does ultimately come to Sumbal’s rescue and protects her from Bano.
Mohammad Ahmed’s character, Fahim, is quickly becoming the best one on the show. He is a sensible man who knows how to deal with his family members – whether it be his wife or his son. He often comes to Sumbal’s aid when she most needs support and also knows how to guide his own son on matters dealing with his marriage and family. Mohammad Ahmed rarely disappoints as an actor, but here, he is truly shining in this role.
Another character who is making his presence felt in this show at present is the Aalim character. I am not sure of the actor’s name, but he is refreshingly different from what is usually seen on our screens in such shows. We, as viewers, are used to shrouded, dark, mysterious “healing men,” such as Dilawar, who we have already seen in “Neeli” in earlier episodes. This Aalim is different – he is educated, he is well-dressed and he is well-spoken. He makes the family comfortable, along with the audience, and truly, at present, all hopes are pinned on him to solve this entire issue with Neeli. And he does his job – at the end of the episode, he separates the real Sumbal from Neeli, revealing Neeli’s deceit and sending her back into isolation.
This is not to say that this show is without its faults. In the middle episodes, it dragged for weeks, showing Sumbal’s non-stop misery. Now, in this episode, we see Neeli, who has been truly evil until now, having a discussion with herself in the mirror. Why? Since when do spirits have a conscience and have soulful discussions with themselves regarding right and wrong? According to this episode, they do. This is a flawed moment, one that comes across as cliched and unnecessary. Neeli may have been a good person in the past, but her conscience is long gone and she has committed several murders in the past (including that poor electrician). So please, let’s spare the audience this emotional drama – we are not here for it. Still, overall, “Neeli Zinda Hai” is doing a good job of telling an intriguing story. And we are still waiting for Osama Tahir’s re-entry!
