Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh’s crime thriller Dhurandhar has sparked a strong reaction across the border, even though the film has not been released in Pakistan. Released in India on December 5, Dhurandhar is set between 1999 and 2009 and presents Lyari as a region dominated by gang wars, police encounters, drug trafficking, arms trade and terrorism. While the film has been performing strongly at the Indian box office, its depiction of Lyari has not been received well in Pakistan. The criticism has been sharper because Dhurandhar is directed by Aditya Dhar, whose previous film Uri: The Surgical Strike also faced backlash in Pakistan for its political tone.
The Aditya Dhar-directed movie, set largely in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, has drawn criticism from Pakistan’s Sindh Information Department, which has now announced its own film in response. Titled Mera Lyari, the Pakistani project is expected to release in January 2026 and aims to counter what officials describe as a negative and misleading portrayal of the historic Karachi area in Dhurandhar. Officials in Sindh have argued that the film reinforces harmful stereotypes about Lyari and ignores its social and cultural identity.
In response, the Sindh Information Department announced Mera Lyari, a film that it says will show the “real” side of the neighbourhood. The department shared its position through a post on X, directly calling Dhurandhar propaganda. “Misrepresentation cannot erase reality. Lyari stands for culture, peace, and resilience — not violence. While Dhurandhar spreads propaganda, Mera Lyari will tell the authentic story of pride and prosperity,” the department said. It further added, “Indian propaganda against Lyari will never be successful.” According to officials, Mera Lyari will focus on the area’s history, cultural diversity and community spirit, offering a positive narrative that contrasts sharply with the Indian film.
Meanwhile, in Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh plays Humza Ali Mazari, who travels to Pakistan and becomes involved in the criminal underworld of Lyari. The film revisits a time when Karachi was known internationally for high levels of violence and organised crime. Akshaye Khanna portrays Rehman Dakait, one of Karachi’s most infamous gang leaders, while the story also features Superintendent of Police Chaudhary Aslam Khan, known for leading aggressive crackdowns on criminal gangs operating in the area. Lyari, during that period, was frequently described as one of the city’s most affected neighbourhoods due to gang warfare and turf battles.
While Mera Lyari is set to arrive early next year, the Dhurandhar franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The makers have already confirmed that Dhurandhar Part Two will release on March 19.