Mera Lyari ,Title of a new Pakistani film announced by the Sindh government as a direct cinematic response to what officials describe as negative and misleading portrayals of Karachi’s Lyari area in the Indian movie Dhurandhar. The project has been positioned by government stakeholders not just as local entertainment, but as a strategic cultural narrative aimed at correcting external misrepresentations.
Official Rationale and Government Position
Senior Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon has publicly framed Mera Lyari as a counter-narrative to Dhurandhar, which he and others in the Sindh government label as “negative propaganda” targeting Pakistan and the Lyari community. In official statements shared on social media platform X, Memon asserted that Lyari should be understood in terms of culture, peace, talent, resilience, and community pride, rather than violence or criminality as implied in the Indian film’s fictional depiction.
According to these announcements, Mera Lyari is intended to present the “true face” of Lyari — emphasizing peace, prosperity, and cultural richness — in contrast with the portrayal of the neighbourhood as a conflict zone seen in Dhurandhar.
Production Details and Creative Team
Government sources and press reports indicate that the film will feature notable Pakistani talent. Posters and early promotional materials show actors such as Nadeem Ejaz, Samina Ahmed, and Dananeer Mobeen. The project is reported to be produced by Ayesha Omar with script and direction by Abu Aleeha, positioning the film within Pakistan’s mainstream cinema ecosystem. The language has been reported as Sindhi, underscoring a focus on local cultural expression.
Narrative Focus and Themes
While official statements emphasize Mera Lyari as a corrective narrative to Dhurandhar’s depiction of violence, the film’s broader thematic framing is said to revolve around community strength and cultural vibrancy. By foregrounding local talent, everyday life, and the historic socio‑cultural identity of Lyari, the production aims to counter stereotypes and offer a grounded portrayal from within the community itself.
Context of Announcement
The announcement of Mera Lyari follows sustained public and political criticism in Pakistan of Dhurandhar, which critics argue misrepresents Karachi and Lyari’s social fabric. The debate has also included a constitutional petition filed in Karachi courts over the alleged inappropriate use of political symbols and historical figures in Dhurandhar’s promotional content — underscoring the view among opponents that foreign media depictions can have reputational consequences.
Public Discourse and Perception
Reactions to the announcement on social platforms show mixed perspectives. Some users see Mera Lyari as a necessary cultural response, while others suggest the film may have been in production independently of the Dhurandhar controversy and that the government endorsement may be leveraging the debate for visibility. There is discourse on whether the film’s subject matter — reportedly including aspects like sports and youth culture — aligns with official framing or extends beyond mere counter‑propaganda.
Mera Lyari is a strategically positioned Pakistani film backed by the Sindh government and creative talent, announced in December 2025 as a narrative counterweight to the Indian film Dhurandhar. Its stated objective is to depict Lyari’s authentic culture, resilience, and societal vibrancy, challenging external portrayals that officials view as reductive or mischaracterizing. The project reflects broader cultural and geopolitical tensions manifesting through cinema and national storytelling
