Pakistan’s ‘Mera Lyari’ Positioned as Reply to Bollywood’s ‘Dhurandhar’, Set to Highlight Karachi’s Real Story

A new Pakistani film titled Mera Lyari is being widely discussed as a cinematic response to the Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar, which portrayed Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood in a crime and gang-war backdrop.

Scheduled for release in May 2026, Mera Lyari has been described by some officials and media reports as an attempt to present an alternative narrative about Lyari, which gained renewed attention after Dhurandhar showcased it as a hub of gang violence and illegal networks.

Focus on sports and empowerment story

Unlike Dhurandhar, which is a spy-action thriller, Mera Lyari is a sports-based drama directed by Abu Aleeha. The film focuses on female football players from Lyari and aims to highlight community life beyond violence and crime.

The story follows a football coach, played by Ayesha Omar, who returns to Lyari to train young girls after overcoming personal trauma. The cast also includes Dananeer Mobeen and Trinette Lucas, along with real local football players and residents.

Political reaction and narrative debate

The film has received backing from Pakistan’s Sindh Information Department. Earlier, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon described the project as a response to what he called “negative propaganda” from Indian cinema, particularly referencing Dhurandhar. He said Mera Lyari aims to present “peace, pride, and the positive side of Lyari.”

Contrast with ‘Dhurandhar’

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, is a spy thriller set in Lyari during the 2000s. It depicts gang rivalries, smuggling networks, and intelligence operations involving both fictional and real-life inspired characters.

The film shows Lyari as a crime-heavy region and includes references to real incidents and personalities, blending fiction with political and historical elements.

Release plans

Mera Lyari will first premiere at the UK Asian Film Festival before its theatrical release in Pakistan on 8 May 2026.

Conclusion

While Dhurandhar and Mera Lyari present completely different interpretations of the same location, both films have sparked cross-border debate over representation, storytelling, and the portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari region in cinema.