Neem continues to be one of those dramas that keep my interest alive. Even though there are plenty of entertaining dramas on air right now but I still find myself looking forward to Neem. The refreshing elements of the script coupled with an unpredictable storyline, make Neem one of those dramas that have been on my must-watch list this season. There were significant developments in both these episodes in all the tracks. Shahzad Kashmiri’s direction has definitely contributed to the appeal this drama holds for me. The scenes are short and to the point even when sometimes they are not brilliantly penned down, the execution saves the day.

Some of the dialogues in tonight’s episode, however, hit all the right chords. The writer encapsulated Zimal’s feelings in particular in the most apt manner possible. Mawra Hocane’s performance remains the most likable element of Neem. Ameer Gilani has quickly turned into one of my favorites since he has translated the changes in Ashhad’s character and his personality traits on-screen brilliantly. Also, Ashhad’s track is turning out to be far more interesting than my expectations. The boy who once had no purpose in life is now on a track which is bound to land him places.

Even though I found myself questioning the behavior of the doctors toward Zimal’s condition multiple times, I found it easy to relate to Zimal’s mental state. This track could have been handled in a better manner. However, overall, these two episodes had so much to offer that I had enough reasons to continue having faith in the writer. Tonight’s episode was a complete winner even though I felt that Arslan Naseer’s performance left a lot to be desired.

Zimal’s Inspirational Journey

Episode 8 opened with the doctor telling Zimal that she could never be a mother. I am certain I was not the only one who was most curious about how Zimal who has always been the most positive person, would react to this sad news. Similarly, Shazil had been an exemplary husband till now therefore I was also waiting to see how he would respond. I must say that just like everything else about Shazil’s character, his reaction to this news was also not ‘satisfying’ enough. I feel that this is one character that lacks depth and layers. Arslan Naseer’s performance has been pretty basic as well. There were some scenes in this episode which were written well but Arslan failed to do justice to them. Overall, the way Shazil reacted has been disappointing as well as surprising. He had been shown as the most open-minded and generous individual therefore his initial extremely bitter reaction was not expected at all. However, one cannot ‘argue’ with how he reacted because that is the direction the writer wants this track and character to go.

Zimal’s reaction, on the other hand, was refreshing and completely in line with her character. Through this character, the writer showed how women have added responsibility in such a situation and even though they are also suffering but they are made to feel as if they have done something wrong. After the initial sadness, Zimal saw the bigger picture. It was good to see her being so optimistic even in such grim circumstances. Having said that, I did feel that her decisions were shown a little too quickly in the previous episode in particular. The writer could have shown her bouncing back and focusing on the school children first and then she could have thought about adoption. It also would have been nice if she was shown reaching out to her mentor in these trying times sooner. However, it was definitely great watching Zimal practice what she had been preaching. In this episode, her conversations with her sir were the cherry on top. I wish some of these scenes would have been added to the previous episode as well because I felt Zimal was fighting this battle alone initially.

Mujhe kul raat se apna aap mujrim lg raha hey aur aap mazloom. In the latest episode, Zimal’s opening scene with Shazil was meaningful and beautifully written and Mawra Hocane’s performance couldn’t have been more organic. Everything from her body language to her dialogue delivery made this opening scene extremely powerful. Mawra’s performance and the impact it had on this character showcases the power an actor actually exercises. Only an actor who understands his or her role can do complete justice to it and Mawra has done just that. There is definitely reason to feel for Shazil but Arslan’s performance is such that I have a difficult time relating to his struggles.

Karamat’s Track

Karamat’s track also took a significant turn in episode 8 which was carried forward in this particular episode. He still has more tricks up his sleeve. The fact that he got the legal paper signed by his father at such a young age went to show that he had been planning to do all this for a really long time. He has a fool-proof plan and now he also has a lawyer who is more than willing to help him. While his confidence stays intact even after the doctor told him that his condition could worsen if he was not careful enough, by the end of tonight’s episode, God gave him yet another warning but Karamat is not in the mood to pay heed to any such warnings. I am glad that, unlike many other dramas, Karamat’s punishment has started gradually. So, he is being given time to mend his ways, which I feel is something more in line with reality. Syed Jibran continues to give a superb performance, his track however is no longer the only appealing aspect of the drama. In fact, it has now taken a backseat with Zimal’s track taking the lead.

Ashhad Makes a Difficult Decision

Ashhad’s track also moved forward at a steady pace in these two episodes. Faisal continued to show Ashhad the ways of this new world he has just stepped into and Ashhad’s sole interest throughout was on earning enough to pay his loan back. For the first time, Ashhad shared his love story with Faisal and his perspective was actually quite interesting. Faisal already started suggesting the course of paper marriage in the previous episode and then the writer intelligently used Ashhad’s mother’s sickness as a logical reason for him to finally agree to the proposal. Ameer Gilani has played his part so well, I have warmed up to Ashhad’s track all thanks to him and find myself rooting for him. There is an innocence in this character which is a rarity in our dramas especially when it comes to male characters.

Final Remarks

The highlight of tonight’s episode in particular had to be the realistic yet inspirational manner in which Zimal’s journey was covered. For the first time, I did not feel Zimal was being too preachy and I actually loved all her dialogues. While the previous episode had a few developments which were not covered too convincingly, this one was completely on point. The preview of the next episode suggested that Zimal might have found her ‘purpose’ in life, other than the one she is already pursuing. I am looking forward to this track more than any other right now. It is such an inspirational track that goes to show that a single individual who wants to make a difference can do so much. Mawra Hocane wants the viewers to take her seriously as a performer and I must say that I am definitely on board. She has not compromised on any aspect of her character which is truly admirable.

Are you watching Neem? Share your views.

This latest episode of Neem showed how the main characters started their new lives. Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gillani’s performances stood out more than any other in this particular episode. Ameer Gillani impressed me specifically because he has truly stepped out of his comfort zone while translating this character on-screen. All the tracks in the drama, so far, are meaningful in their own way. Zimal’s character could have been seriously annoying had Mawra Hocane not portrayed it on-screen in the most gentle and likable manner. However, some of the dialogues could easily have been cut down because unless you want to find serious meaning in a story, such sermons can be difficult to sit through. Having said that, personally, I like Zimal’s character even though what she did in this episode could be termed as being ‘nosy’.

Zimal’s Track

This new episode opened with starting the same debate with which Neem opened. The importance of a teacher’s attitude in a classroom and with their students definitely makes all the difference but it isn’t very often that we see that being the center of discussion in the entertainment medium. It is also interesting how the writer has focused on this particular message multiple times in different settings. Through Maryam’s character, the writer showed how sometimes teachers end up taking out their anger on their students. Some of the things that Zimal said to Maryam were not ‘brand new’ but they probably had an impact because they were coming from someone like Zimal. The part about the kind of environments these children are coming from and how the time they spend in school affects their personality was the most meaningful element of this conversation. I must say that Mawra Hocane makes even those scenes likable which could easily pass as unnecessarily preachy.

Zimal and Maryam ended up being friends and Maryam found a purpose in life as well. Somehow, I did not like the part where Maryam tells Zimal that she was really lucky when she met Shazil. Surely, Shazil is equally lucky considering what a good soul Zimal is. This was a rather stereotypical situation in a track that is anything but that!

Ashhad’s New Journey

Ashhad’s track took a more interesting turn in this particular episode. Ashhad’s bond with his new friend and his focused approach was shown on-screen convincingly. It is also good to see that this track has been shot in the US, unlike many other dramas where such tracks are shot in closed rooms to give the impression that someone is abroad. The outdoor scenes give a bigger canvas for the viewers to look at and make Ashhad’s life abroad easier to relate to. I am wondering if Ashhad will have to pay a bigger price for running away from Zimal than he anticipated. His mother is not well and if she passes away, he will not even be able to see her.

Even after coming as farthest from Zimal as he possibly could, Ashhad still thinks about her and is trying really hard to get himself busy with the work so that he can distract himself. By the end of this episode, Ashhad got the kind of job, which it seems, will probably change his destiny. It is interesting that Ashhad does not share anything about his personal life with Faisal even though they have developed a close friendship. Ashhad did not get the love of his life but his character and journey are far more interesting than that of Shazil. Shazil is a great, unproblematic husband but he does not have a life or personality of his own, he comes across as Zimal’s ‘extension’. It is always good to see men respecting and supporting their wives on screen but a character is more appealing if it has a story of its own as well.

Karamat’s Track

Even after being diagnosed and the cautions prescribed by the doctor, so far Karamat is just as bitter and negative as before. His character is the only black character in a drama that has a lot of positive characters. Right now, this track is completely isolated from Zimal’s story. Karamat did not follow even the simplest advice given by the doctor and it is highly likely that his stubbornness will leave him at the mercy of people who he is constantly telling off. This track, for now, seems quite predictable. Syed Jibran made this character stand out in the previous few episodes but the fact that Karamat is not a layered character, overall, stands out like a sore thumb at this point. His story is progressing gradually and it remains to be seen if there are any surprises in store.

Final Remarks

Even though Neem has black-and-white characters, I am enjoying watching the drama because it has some refreshing elements and new themes. The performances as well as the amazing cinematography continue to make the drama one which I want to tune into every week and feel that it is worth watching. By the end of this episode, Zimal’s bhabhi got the kind of news that might be difficult to handle even for someone like Zimal. I am waiting to see if we get to see more shades of Zimal’s character in the upcoming episodes. Ashhad and Zimal’s track right now is more interesting than it was ever before. I only wish that Zimal’s conversations were not as preachy as they are. If some of these dialogues were chopped down, these conversations would have been crispier and more engaging. Overall, however, I look forward to watching Neem and it continues to be one of my favorites even though with Green TV we are spoiled for choice.

Neem continues to move forward at a steady pace. With this latest episode, all the main tracks moved in a different direction. This latest episode of Neem was truly heart-warming in so many ways. All the characters got equal screen time and the substantial growth in their tracks was covered in a convincing manner. The timeline was confusing because it felt as if too much happened in a short span of time. Zimal’s character and her new journey with Shazil by her side was both uplifting and refreshing. Ashhad set off to America sooner than expected. Karamat’s new beginning did not start on a positive note. Even Asad’s track took a new turn. It was interesting how each one of these characters had unexpected developments in their respective tracks and all of them were given equal importance.

Shazil and Zimal – New Favorites

Shazil’s character did not get a lot of screen time in the past few episodes but in this episode, he truly came into its own. He always came across as a ‘nice’ guy but with this episode, he truly impressed. Although, I will be honest and say that Zimal’s commitment to her cause was definitely even more ‘extreme’ than I was expecting it to be. And she treated her wedding and this new relationship a little too casually but agr Shazil ko koi masla nahin hey tu who are we complaint ;) Zimal’s entire attitude towards this marriage and her life was pretty clear before as well but with this episode, the viewers got to witness Zimal’s practical side like never before.

Zimal and Shazil gave the term ‘life partner’ a new meaning! These two really are partners who are not just romantically involved but they also have the same viewpoint with regards to what truly matters. Shazil is definitely more romantic than Zimal. He also loves her enough to give up on his plans altogether. He obviously believes in what Zimal wants to achieve otherwise he wouldn’t have handed her all that money. These two are such pure souls and what makes them stand out is their purpose in life. These characters do come across as too-good-to-be-true at times but then we really do need to see such positive characters in our dramas. Mawra Hocane makes Zimal’s character likable even though it can be preachy at times. I am glad that Zimal is away from Karamat and her entire focus is on her objective to educate children.

I especially like the fact that through Zimal’s track, right from the beginning, the writer has emphasized the importance of education. Zimal had a teacher in her life who turned her life around and now she wants to be that person for others. Zimal’s track moved forward at a fast pace in this episode and throughout she was shown as a motivated individual who left no stone unturned to make her dream a reality. The fact that Shazil respected her cause and did everything in his power to be her support was the best part of this track. The conversation about the importance of a supporting life partner was light-hearted but on point. I also liked the smile on Shazil’s face after the wedding that was a cute way of showing how ecstatic he was to have Zimal in his life.

Karamat’s First Reality Check

While Zimal set out to dedicate her finances, energy, and time to a higher purpose Karamat’s dreamed of living a life of luxury surrounded by people who appeased him. The first scene covering his track in this episode reflected the stark differences in the purpose of both these characters yet again. Even though he got the house of his dreams built, he was unhappy about not being able to marry Zimal. And right at that time, the pain in his back was perhaps the first of many reality checks he is about to get! Karamat is sure that his wealth will get him exactly what he wants but it seems as if gradually he will realize that there is a lot that money cannot buy. Yet again, Syed Jibran’s performance was impressive throughout.

Ashhad In America

Ashhad reached America a little too soon and it seems as if he does not even have a definite plan. He simply ran away and was instantly struck with guilt while leaving. His partying scene was sweet and yet again showed the purity of his character. He also turned out to be quite lucky because he instantly made a friend who was more than willing to help him out. I loved how he sat down to talk in a typical ‘village boy’ style! I am looking forward to his transformation and waiting to see where this track will lead. Ashhad has a great deal of learning to do. It is good to see a drama being shot outside Pakistan after such a long time. After capturing the beauty of Kashmir brilliantly Shahzad Kashmiri managed to do justice to Philadelphia’s landscape as well.

Did you watch this latest episode of Neem? Do share your views.

Neem continues to be an intelligently written drama which is not flawless but it is definitely much more entertaining and meaningful than many of the other dramas on air right now. I think that Neem is currently the only drama on Hum that provides quality entertainment. I had huge expectations from Jhok Sarkar but I am finding it really difficult to sit through it. Ishq Gumshuda is repetitive to the core. I have heard wonderful things about Yunhi but watching it can be taxing, therefore I am trying to sit through the first few episodes so that once the story takes off I can find out why some of our serious readers are appreciating it. Mere Ban Jao has unfortunately turned out to be a lost opportunity. Pyari Mona also falls in the same category. Therefore, right now Neem is the only play on Hum which I feel has a lot of potential. Apart from a well-written script, Syed Jibran and Mawra Hocane’s performances keep me glued to the screen. The cinematography is remarkable and the editing is top-notch as well. The ‘preachy’ element of the drama has also lessened with every passing episode.

Right now, Express Entertainment is definitely taking the lead with dramas such as Guru, Gunah, and Meher Mah. Unfortunately, the awaam is busy watching Tere Bin and Ehraam-e-Junoon! No wonder the producers are scared of experimenting. Coming back to Neem’s latest episode, this one belonged to Karamat (Syed Jibran) as well. Although, the characters in the story are black and white they do not insult the viewers’ intelligence. All of these characters are believable and they have a story to tell as well. The writer is serious about telling his story logically and is not following the producer’s lead. It is easy to tell when a writer has written down a drama using his own creativity and wisdom because the story flows smoothly when that is the case. Unfortunately, Pakistani dramas have gone downhill to such an extent that you find yourself appreciating certain aspects of the script which should actually be a norm.

The Aftermath

This latest episode opened with a surprising twist. Just when Karamat thought he could now do whatever he wanted even though he knew what his father desired, the lawyer came up with a video of Baba Jaan’s will regarding the land which was the main bone of contention. Baba Jaan was a wise man who could foresee that Karamat might stand in his way therefore he made sure his will was rock solid. It was good to see technology being used for this purpose especially because even nowadays in dramas a lot of misunderstandings are created by completely ignoring such usages of modern technology which is easily accessible to all! It was also interesting how this wakeel who came across as someone who could easily be intimidated, pleaded his case in such a convincing manner. He could have shown the video proof in the beginning as well but he tried to convince Karamat first. His matter-of-fact tone made this scene even more interesting.

This well-crafted scene was followed by another brilliant scene that carried so much meaning. Deep down Karamat still felt guilty that is why he confronted his employee for judging him. This was such a fantastic scene; the perfect example of great camerawork and superb acting. Syed Jibran nailed it completely and all the other scenes that followed were equally brilliant in terms of acting in particular. The way he changed his demeanor and tone while interacting with different characters throughout showed yet again his precision as a performer. He is one of the few actors who make a negative role stand out especially when the character has such interesting traits.

Mein buhat dukh mein tha, pachta raha tha … baaz nahin aye na aap. Karamat’s ‘conversation’ with his late father at the graveyard was one of the many brilliant scenes in this episode with glorious cinematography. This was yet another meaningful scene that gave the viewers more insight into this twisted character. Karamat is a true psychopath, who has a proper rationale for each one of his wrongdoings and in this case criminal act. He justified killing his father once again. Even after taking his father’s life, he still considered himself the victim! Woh tu acha hua meinay aap ko maar diya verna aap tu Islamabad wala bangla bhi khairat kr daitay! Brilliant dialogues which showed how ‘right’ Karamat was ‘in his own head’. After being convinced, more than ever, that his father deserved what he got, he quickly moved on to living the life he always dreamt of but couldn’t because his father was always an ‘obstacle’. After his father’s will, he now felt he had the ‘license’ to celebrate his freedom.

Zimal’s entry at this point and the complete change in Karamat’s expressions as well as his tone went to show he knew how to hide his true colors when necessary. I loved how Mawra wore no make-up in this scene; she looked like Zimal was going through hell. Her performance was on point, particularly in this scene.

While Karamat’s scenes had so much to offer in this episode as well, both Ashhad and Shazil’s scenes did not offer anything new or grand. Ashhad’s scenes once again revolved around his fascination with Zimal and his dream to marry her. Shazil is also waiting for the day when he will finally get married to Zimal. So, at this point, all the 3 leading men of the drama want to marry Zimal. Each one of them is in love with Zimal but Shazil is the only one Zimal wants to marry. I find this particular aspect of the drama most boring! There isn’t much to Shazil’s character, so far. He is Zimal’s fiancé and a ‘nice guy’ but that’s just about it! Karamat’s character is negative but his track is far more interesting than Ashhad and Shazil’s tracks. Ashhad got more screen time than Shazil in this episode but his scenes did not offer anything substantial. His mother finally agreed to go to Zimal’s house with the proposal and by the end of this episode Ashhad found out that Zimal was getting married. Is he really going to approach her? I am waiting to find out what this character and track has to offer.

Karamat weaved a story for the proposal and he was quite convincing as well! Gladly Zimal and her brother do not lack common sense like many other characters we see in dramas all the time therefore, they did not believe what Karamat had to say even for a second. I literally breathed a sigh of relief when I saw their reactions and my faith in the writer doubled! We have seen too many such scenarios being prolonged in our dramas; I am glad that was not the case here. Once again, it was Karamat who moved the story forward because it was only after his proposal that Zimal decided to get married to Shazil immediately after the chaliswaan.

Allah ko maalik banate kab ho tum log pehle khabay sajay hur jaga try maarte ho was actually a dialogue that made me laugh so hard because of the irony of the situation! This ‘sermon’ was coming from a son who murdered his father and clearly had no faith in Allah! Yet he felt he had the right to say this to someone who was actively involved in welfare. And the fact that he delivered these dialogues sitting on his ‘throne’ made them even more amusing. Karamat’s self-righteousness couldn’t have been translated on screen more effectively.

Final Remarks

Neem continues to be an entertaining drama with Karamat’s character winning me over every week. He is an exceptionally well-written and executed character. This was another episode with beautiful cinematography. I am looking forward to watching what the makers have in store for us next week.

Are you watching Neem? Share your views.

All of those readers who have been following my reviews know only too well how optimistic I have been about this drama. Even with all the ups and downs in the story, I have always praised the logical manner in which the journeys of all the characters were being covered. However, ever since Neem hit the 10th episode mark, the drastic changes in the story are not just hard to digest but for now, it is difficult to tell where they are leading. I hate to say this but right now Neem is a classic case of a writer’s imagination gone haywire in an attempt to extend the duration of the drama and add shock value.

Why Is No one questioning Shazil?

Before I actually review anything else about these two episodes, I would like to get this one off my chest! Shazil’s character was always the weakest link in the drama, he kept me guessing and except for a couple of episodes, he was not a likable character even though he was shown as the perfect husband. The writer has completely failed to do justice to Shazil’s character which I am assuming is supposed to be a grey character but he is coming across as seriously twisted and lost. Shazil is one of the main characters in the drama yet the treatment this character has been getting, writing and acting-wise, is anything but central. In the beginning, he was introduced as an extension of Zimal’s character; his sole purpose in life was getting married to her and there was nothing more to this character. After showing his extreme love and fondness for Zimal for all those weeks, his character underwent a change that was not just unexpected but also shocking. I accepted this change in the story because that is where the writer wanted this track to go but common sense really left the chat when Zimal decided she wanted to marry her husband off.

While Zimal’s character is such that this madness was expected from her, Shazil’s attitude in particular has been the most toxic part of the track. This entire development has been covered in such a ‘sick’ manner that I actually have a difficult time sharing my frustration here! So far, no one is questioning Shazil’s toxicity and the absurdity of the living arrangements after this awful second marriage. It is almost as if the writer is trying to show that Shazil deserved all this. Also, there was nothing before that indicated that Shazil’s zindagi ka maqsad was becoming a father and everything else was secondary. He fell out of love with Zimal the second he found out that she could not conceive and warmed up to the idea of marrying Mariam soon after Zimal put that idea in his small head.

Zimal calling herself toxic in the latest episode and Sir Ayaz asking her to reevaluate her actions and thoughts had to be the final nail in the coffin. I was expecting sir to question Shazil’s actions as well and give Zimal an opportunity to see things from another perspective but that did not happen at all! Shazil has fallen from grace over and over again. Sadly, his actions are being portrayed as ‘normal’ which is my biggest issue with this track right now.

Ashhad’s Lottery & the Mess

Ashhad’s track was such a great opportunity for the writer to show the lives and struggles of people like him. But with Ashhad finding all that money and getting rich overnight that opportunity has also been completely lost. Now, his track is all about getting Camilla off of his back and he is still adamant about not going back home. I was hoping his life would turn around after his mother’s death and he would find some purpose in life. So far, the only thing this track is focusing on is the demerits of paper marriages. While this too is a new and important subject matter the way it is being handled is not too engaging or entertaining. Also, just like Zimal’s track, Ashhad’s track is testing my patience at this point. How come no one is questioning him about the source of the money? This had to be the most illogical twist in an otherwise well-written plot. Even after going through so much Ashhad has not matured and is still looking for an escape from his troubles. This track still has potential if it the writer chooses to change its direction.

Zimal’s Unrealistic Expectations

Zimal was always a character like no other. Her practical approach towards life and her main goal to bring a change in the lives of those less fortunate made her character unlike any other. Even though there were times when Zimal’s character traits came across as ‘extreme’, there were always so many likable and positive aspects to her personality that you could not help but like this character. However, showing Zimal questioning herself to the extent of terming herself toxic has to be one of those extreme behaviors which is making it really difficult to see this as Zimal’s ‘niceness’. There is a thin line between being good to others and being just plain gullible and perhaps stupid as well; Zimal unfortunately crossed that line. She has bitten off more than she can chew and for the first time, she comes across as someone who is stuck in a self-created conflict. Why can’t she see beyond a life with Shazil? And most importantly even with all her wisdom why can’t she seem to question Shazil’s behavior instead of holding herself responsible? This entire situation is ridiculous.

What is up with Jamil?

Just like all the other characters, Jamil has also been sending mixed signals for the past few weeks, especially in this particular episode. He went from being a greedy and selfish individual to a crusader who now wants to expose his ‘master’ even at the cost of his own life! While I understand that the writer is trying to show how karma works, a lot of what Jamil did in this particular episode made little sense! He can easily expose Karamat now and get him imprisoned yet he is waiting to die in order to achieve that objective. This entire track involving Jamil and Karamat has gone off track as well.

Final Remarks

For 10 weeks Neems was exceptional since it was a good balance of different kinds of characters and themes. But with Zimal’s decision to get her good-for-nothing wannabe-dad husband married and Ashhad finding all that money both these tracks have lost their appeal and are frustrating to watch! Shazil has to be the most twisted and ‘weird’ character especially because of the fact that none of his actions are supposed to be viewed as such. All the 3 main tracks have lost connection to each other even though they can easily be connected even now. While Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gillani’s performances and direction continue to be top-notch, the script has lost its initial appeal.

Are you still watching Neem? Share your views.

These two episodes of Neem yet again managed to focus on all the main characters and did justice to them. Their stories were taken forward at a fast pace. Some of the changes in these tracks were so rapid that I still have a difficult time absorbing them. Like I said in my earlier review, while one can disagree with a few of the things being shown in the drama because they are not relatable, most of these have been shown logically. It is interesting how all these drastic changes occurred at the same time but not without a background. I feel whenever I term a drama one of my favorites; the writers decide to introduce twists and turns which are difficult for me to digest. Neem however continues to be a meaningful drama that shows so many different aspects of the Pakistani society but from a different angle. It emphasizes educating children, shows the importance of educated people as an agent of change, the plight of Pakistanis who go abroad as an escape and make rash decisions, and gives voice to all those women who are unduly punished in marriages. This drama also shows that life is so much more than getting married and starting a family or losing in love!

Zimal’s Decision

Zimal continues to be an outstanding character and her track never ceases to impress. Behind all those bold decisions is a really scared, sensitive, and hurt young lady who has always put others before her. It is quite clear that the writer and the director do not want the viewers to see Zimal as a ‘victim’ even though her circumstances are not ideal. They want us to see Zimal as a strong individual who always had her priorities set right. If we consider this character as a whole, everything Zimal has done in these two episodes makes perfect sense. For her, social work and her aspirations to help others came before everything else. She did not even want to get married until she had no other choice. And let’s not forget the terms and conditions under which this marriage took place. Zimal never hid from Shazil what her actual purpose in life was. In fact, the way the beginning of this relationship was actually overshadowed by Zimal’s ambitions to educate the children was a shock for many!

Right from the beginning getting married was one of Zimal’s plans and not the center of her existence. I actually found this particular aspect of Zimal’s track interesting and refreshing. While getting married was not her number 1 priority, she genuinely loved her husband and never took his support for granted. I still remember the conversation she had with Maryam about how she values Shazil’s support. Shazil’s character, on the other hand, is poles apart from Zimal. Maryam was always shown as a rather ‘weak’ character therefore it does not come as a surprise that she finally ‘warmed up’ to the idea. However, I hope that Zimal walks out of this relationship after getting these two married because Shazil is not worthy of her. Zimal’s decision is more of an outcome of Shazil’s toxic behavior towards her than anything else.

Shazil Continues to Disappoint

Shazil has been the shallowest character in a drama that has some really well-written dramas. Right from the beginning, I always felt as if this character does not have an identity of its own and he never really figured out what he wanted from life. His entire existence revolved around Zimal before and after they got married. And now all of a sudden his happiness depends entirely and solely on his future children. While Shazil has never been my favorite character from this drama, he was always supportive of Zimal therefore a likable extension of her – someone who helped her achieve what she wanted. However, now that his goal is shifted, I am left with tons of questions! Was Shazil’s love for Zimal dependent on her childbearing ‘potential’? Who is the real Shazil? Is he the man who questioned Karamat’s wrongdoing and was more than willing to stand with Zimal’s cause or is he this new twisted character who does not think twice before belittling his wife? This perhaps would have been easier to accept had he taken a little more time to turn into this mean and selfish individual who agreed to marry Maryam. I honestly feel Maryam or any other girl deserves better! I hope this track will also take a pleasant turn and this strange shift in the story will have some purpose.

Yes, there is nothing ‘wrong’ with this entire situation but there is nothing right about it either when seen from a ‘human’ perspective. A man is allowed to get married but a good man who is so madly and deeply in love with his wife should not be falling out of love so soon. I found the way Shazil and Maryam looked at each other in this episode disgusting! And Maryam’s smile when Zimal asked her, even more so. Although Zimal’s decision is understandable, these two are giving me some serious creeps. Right now, Shazil seems to be more twisted than Karamat because at least we know Karamat is the bad guy!

Ashhad’s Track

Ashhad finding that bag filled with money and using it for his advantage was the first scenario shown in Neem that did not work for me at all. I was actually looking forward to watching his journey and struggles in pardes but it seems as if the writer did not intend to focus on that. I am also wondering if someone who gets rich overnight can purchase a house and car and change his status entirely without being questioned or noticed. Ashhad’s mother’s passing away, on the other hand, was meaningful. It showed the importance of valuing your parents and standing by their side in their old age. Ashhad left his village and came so far only because he wanted to forget Zimal. He did not think about the price he might have to pay for this decision. For now, his lost love is the least of his worries. It seems as if Ashhad might donate the money he found to Zimal’s charity. I am waiting to see when and how their paths meet in future episodes.

Final Remarks

Neem continues to be interesting and intriguing even though I strongly disagree with some of the things that were shown lately but I am hoping it is all leading to something worthwhile. The content of the drama is meaningful and it touches upon subjects, not talked about often. Mawra Hocane’s performance continues to be the highlight of every episode. I am rooting for Zimal deciding to leave this toxic marriage and focusing on her life. Also, it would be great to see Zimal and Ashhad teaming up.

Are you watching Neem? Share your views.

Neem continues to be one of my favorite dramas at the moment. The story is moving forward at a steady pace. The script has been logical because even though you might not ‘like’ some of the things that are being shown, these scenarios have been shown convincingly. The characters have been well established and apart from a few things, most of the time it is easy to connect to each one of these characters. After watching this episode, I am more convinced than ever that Arslan Naseer was the worst choice for playing this character. There are so many actors in the industry that could have made this character more relatable and less annoying! Mawra Hocane, on the other hand, continues to be perfect as Zimal. In this episode as well she translated Zimal’s emotions impeccably on screen. Ameer Gilani is another actor who has a screen presence. I find myself rooting for Zimal and Ashhad more than ever with every passing episode even though right now they are on completely different paths. These two characters have so much in common.

In this particular episode, all the 3 main leads took some of the most drastic and life-changing decisions. It is interesting how their new journeys started together and how all these 3 tracks are moving forward individually yet at the same pace.

Zimal Makes a Difficult Decision

Right from the beginning Zimal has been honest about her aspirations and her actual priorities. Shazil knew what kind of a person Zimal was and not too long ago he was more than willing to stand by her side. For 2 or 3 weeks, they were the perfect life partners. But now that in Shazil’s eyes, Zimal is ‘incomplete’ or perhaps ‘not enough’ he judges and treats her accordingly. While Zimal has accepted the fact that she can never be a mother in the most graceful manner, Shazil has chosen to be a victim. I am going to be honest here; I do feel that Shazil could be going through a phase and that is why he is bitter. However, the complete absence of emotions on-screen leaves me confused. The dialogues are definitely bitter but the expressions don’t say much about the character. I have always had difficulty connecting to Shazil’s character. Even when he was the nice guy, the writing did the trick more than the performance. It is unfortunate that this flawed casting has affected this track as a whole. If Zimal’s character was not translated on-screen so well, it would have completely ruined the entire track. I am waiting to see what the actual purpose behind showing all these problems is.

I can think of a few reasons why this track has taken this turn. So far, I think that through this track the writer is trying to show how women are held wrongly accountable for something that is beyond their control. Shazil’s unreasonable reaction may help male viewers self-reflect if they are in similar situations. Similarly, Zimal’s positive attitude might give hope to others in her situation. For now, Zimal is very understanding of Shazil’s behavior but at the same time, she makes sure that Shazil knows that he is wrong. Since she has always been shown as someone with a big heart, she made a decision tonight that definitely required just that! Her character was always shown as an empathetic one therefore it does not come as a surprise that she is watching out for her husband in this situation. I wonder how long she will put up with this attitude and whether she will gradually move away from Shazil once she gets him married.

It is great that each one of these episodes shows how Zimal continues to do her work with the same dedication and commitment. Her entire existence does not revolve around what is going on in her personal life. She has always understood the actual meaning of her existence and even after so much has changed in her life, she has not lost that meaning. This also goes to show that humans need to think outside themselves. Zimal’s character shows the power and strength you get when you realize that life is so much more than your own existence. This frame of mind makes Zimal look at her problems and life from a different perspective.

The circumstances under which Zimal brought Sikandar home and the way she took care of him might be too good to be true for some characters but definitely not for Zimal. She knew she was doing what was right and therefore did not feel the need to give anyone a lot of explanations. However, she was naturally hurt by Shazil’s reactions. Mawra Hocane translated that hurt superbly on-screen.

Ashhad Gets Married

Ashhad acted on the decision he made in the previous episode. He is simply seeking help to get better medical treatment for his mother and following Faisal’s lead. There is no other objective but it seems this experience will teach him more than anything else has, so far. The marriage and its aftermath were covered in an interesting manner. The fact that Ashhad was completely clueless was shown through different scenes. Ameer Gilani’s performance stood out and I am looking forward to seeing more of him. I really like how all these brothers shower their mother with love. It is always good to see children who value their parents and when this particular aspect is highlighted in dramas.

Faisal seems to be going out of his way to help Ashhad, I am waiting to see where this track is leading. Lately, we have not seen Ashhad at his workplace which gives the impression that he is spending all his time running around to make this visit happen. Some scenes showing Ashhad at his workplace would have added the seriousness that this track requires. Especially because Ashhad is now in debt more than ever.

Karamat’s Track

Karamat has been ignoring his health issues because he believes in handling every situation the way that suits him best. While this attitude has served him well so far in all the other matters, it seems as if it will turn into something that will ultimately lead him to his final punishment. It is interesting how his most peculiar personality trait which he has used in his favor all his life is now going to be the reason why he ultimately regrets everything he has ever done. This particular character has been penned down in such a meaningful way as well. Karamat is evil, we have seen many such characters on-screen before too but what sets him apart is his stubbornness. His self-righteousness is another personality trait that has been a constant throughout. He has always had a perfect justification for all his actions and now too, he thinks he is superior to the medical authorities. Syed Jibran has done complete justice to his character. I love his wardrobe and look as well. Those pullovers have been selected carefully and aptly.

Final Remarks

This was an important episode of Neem which took all the tracks forward to a different direction. Like every other episode, there was tangible progress in the story. In each episode, everything is shown gradually and convincingly. So far, Neem has provided meaningful entertainment with an unpredictable storyline. The writer has ensured that all the tracks are covered in each episode. However, Zimal’s track is definitely the main attraction.

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