“Neeli Zinda Hai” started off with much promise, consisting of a stellar cast including Mohib Mirza, Sonia Mishal, Mohammad Ahmed, Kinza Malik, along with being Urwa Hocane’s television return after “Mushk.” Falling into the horror genre, “Neeli Zinda Hai” promised a different story to audiences and initially even delivering on sequences that left viewers uncomfortable watching the show in the dark. Written by Adeel Razaq and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, the story pulled in viewers immediately, but has unfortunately been suffering from a slow pace over the past several weeks. Now at 33 episodes, Neeli’s past is yet to be revealed. Fortunately, in episode 33, the show takes snail steps towards a reveal.
In this episode, we see Parvaiz (Osama Tahir), the character we have been waiting for since the start of the drama. Parvaiz is certainly older now and is seen caring for an older woman, his mother. The woman blames herself for something and is awaiting death – but for what reason? Is she the one behind Neeli’s death? And how did Neeli get involved with Daniyal if she was married to Parvaiz? Other than this, Sumbal (Sonia Mishal) and Bano (Kinza Malik) finally make up – but Bano’s regret is only towards Sumbal, as she still sees Minaal as a curse and treats her so, ordering Aaliyah to stay away from her.
Meanwhile, there’s an interesting angle at play now. Neeli (Urwa Hocane) lures Daniyal to the house only to push his wheelchair into the street, causing his death. And yet, while it’s understandable that Neeli is extracting revenge, Neeli has been seen as a mischievous spirit up until now. Even the Aalim declared that she was powerful and vindictive. Suddenly, as Sumbal and Aman rifle through her belongings, Sumbal wonders if Neeli has been trying to tell them something – and Neeli agrees, saying she’s been trying all along, but has had to use different techniques due to being a ghost. This doesn’t add up, as Neeli has not only been attempting to “take” (read: kill) Minaal and keep her for herself, but she has also murdered Fahim (Mohammad Ahmed). How then is she an innocent only extracting revenge and trying to “tell her story”?
Still, it’s a relief that the story has begun to move forward. But now with Daniyal as another casualty, how will the truth ultimately come out? Will Neeli herself confess to the Aalim – and if so, why didn’t she do it before when he was trying to speak to her? Or will Parvaiz be the ultimate extractor of truth? Unfortunately, the story has been dragged out for so long that all the viewer can hope for is that the conclusion and Neeli’s backstory is actually one worth this long of a reveal.
