Pakistan Announces ‘Mera Lyari’ to Counter ‘Dhurandhar’

The Sindh government has announced the release of Mera Lyari, a new Sindhi-language film set to counter the portrayal of Lyari in India’s Dhurandhar.

Senior Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon condemned the Bollywood film, calling it part of a broader conspiracy against Pakistan’s image.

Memom wrote on X: “Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari.

“Next month Mera Lyari will release, showing the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.”

He emphasised that Dhurandhar misrepresents Lyari, portraying it as a dangerous area instead of highlighting its cultural richness and social harmony.

The new Sindhi-language film aims to present the reality of Lyari to both domestic audiences and international viewers through authentic storytelling.

The controversy around Dhurandhar escalated after a constitutional petition was filed in the Karachi court regarding the unauthorised use of sensitive political imagery.

PPP activist Muhammad Amir submitted the petition in the District and Sessions Court (South), alleging illegal use of images of the late Benazir Bhutto.

The complaint also mentions the unauthorised use of Pakistan Peoples Party flags and footage of party rallies without permission in the film’s trailer.

According to the petition, Dhurandhar portrays the PPP as sympathetic to terrorists, while representing Karachi’s Lyari area as a “terrorist war zone.”

The petition names director Aditya Dhar, producers Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Kishore Deshpande.

It also names actors including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Beni.

Cinematographer Vikash Nolcha, editor Shiv Kumar V Panicker, and other crew members were also included as proposed accused in the legal filing.

The petition seeks an FIR for allegedly defaming Pakistan and misrepresenting its political and social realities.

Memon asserted that Mera Lyari will correct the record.

It will showcase the area’s vibrant culture, talented youth, and resilience against adversity.

He stressed that the Sindh government supports the film as a way to present Pakistan’s cities in an authentic, positive light to global audiences.

As legal proceedings unfold and Mera Lyari prepares for release, the debate over Dhurandhar’s impact on Pakistan’s image continues to be a hot topic.

The Sindh government has positioned Mera Lyari as not only entertainment but also a cultural and political statement about Pakistan’s resilience.