Neeli (2018) is a Malayalam-language horror film directed by Althaf Rahman. The story centers on Lekshmi, a speech therapist and single mother, who returns to her ancestral village of Kalingadu with her daughter, Thara, following her husband’s death. Tragedy strikes when Thara is kidnapped during a village festival, prompting Lekshmi to seek assistance from a paranormal investigator named Reny, along with two well-intentioned thieves and a photographer.

Together, this unlikely group embarks on a quest to locate Thara, delving into the village’s supernatural elements, including the mythical spirit Neeli. The film blends horror and comedy, with Reny’s unconventional methods and the thieves’ antics providing lighter moments amidst the suspense. While “Neeli” offers some engaging scenes, it has received mixed reviews, with critiques pointing to its predictable plot and uneven balance between horror and humor.