When you hear the name Saima Akram Chaudhry, you think of chaos. You think of Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, and loud Punjabi grandmothers fighting over chai. She is the undisputed “Queen of Ramadan Comedy.” So, when HUM TV announced that her new drama, Neeli Kothi, would be a dark, atmospheric mystery, I was skeptical. Could the woman who gave us “DJ” and “Meethu” actually scare us?
After watching the premiere episodes this week (Dec 8 & 9), the answer is a surprising yes.
Here is my verdict on the first two episodes of Neeli Kothi.
The Premise: Not Your Typical Saas-Bahu Saga
The story revolves around Noor (Anmol Baloch), a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her ancestral home—the titular “Neeli Kothi.” But as classic tropes go, the house isn’t just a house. It’s a character.
From the moment Noor steps inside, the vibe is heavy. There are locked doors, whispers of a “past tragedy,” and a very unwelcoming caretaker. It’s classic gothic romance territory, reminding me a bit of the old PTV classic Kohra but with 4K cameras.
The Performances: A Fresh Pairing
Talha Chahour is quickly becoming the “intensity specialist” of our industry. After Jo Bichar Gaye and Mannat Murad, he plays Haider, a man who clearly knows more than he is letting on. He is brooding, mysterious, and—let’s be honest—looks fantastic in the dimly lit frames. His silence speaks louder than his dialogues here.
Anmol Baloch is playing to her strengths. She has the “innocent beauty” look down to a science, but I was happy to see her character isn’t just a weeping willow. She asks questions. She investigates. The chemistry between them is a slow burn—it’s not “love at first sight”; it’s “suspicion at first sight,” which is much more interesting.
The Direction: Anjum Shahzad’s Magic
The real hero of the first two episodes is director Anjum Shahzad. A mystery drama dies if the lighting is flat. Shahzad (who directed Khaani) uses shadows beautifully here. The “Neeli Kothi” feels claustrophobic. The sound design—creaking doors, wind, distant piano notes—actually builds tension without being cheesy.
The “Raza Rants” Critique
It wasn’t perfect.
- The Pacing: Episode 2 felt a bit dragged. We spent too much time on Noor’s flashbacks to her mother, which killed the present-day tension. Saima Akram Chaudhry is used to fast-paced sitcoms; she needs to be careful not to make the mystery too slow, or the TikTok generation will tune out.
- The Clichés: Yes, there is a “scary servant” and a “warning letter.” We have seen these tropes a thousand times. The show needs to twist them soon to stay fresh.
Final Verdict: WATCH.
If you are tired of toxic mothers-in-law and weeping heroines, Neeli Kothi is a breath of fresh (albeit spooky) air. It’s moody, it’s beautiful to look at, and for once, I genuinely don’t know what is going to happen next.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars. Airing: Mon-Tues at 8:00 PM on HUM TV.
Did you watch the first episode? Do you think the house is haunted or is it just a conspiracy? Let me know in the comments!