New Delhi: Days after Dhurandhar, which is loosely based on the gang wars of Lyari released, the Sindh government has announced a counter movie—Mera Lyari.
The new movie aims to tell the “authentic story of pride and prosperity” to counter “Indian propaganda”.
Dhurandhar’s decision to merge the Lyari storyline with the 2008 Mumbai attacks has been especially criticised as an attempt to fold a Pakistani urban conflict into India’s contemporary nationalist imagination.
The counter film is directed by Abu Aleeha and produced by actor Ayesha Omar who also stars in the film, alongside popular actors Dananeer Mobeen and Samiya Mumtaz.
According to local reports, the film will focus on “authentic storytelling” and the production “aims to highlight the neighbourhood’s arts, music, sports, and daily life while avoiding stereotypical or negative depictions.”
“Misrepresentation cannot erase reality. Lyari stands for culture, peace, and resilience—not violence. While Dhurandhar spreads propaganda, Mera Lyari will soon tell the authentic story of pride and prosperity. #MeraLyari movie releasing in January 2026. Indian propaganda against Lyari will never be successful,” the Sindh government wrote on X.
Pakistanis are proud. “Absolutely. Truth doesn’t need distortion to survive. Lyari’s identity is culture, resilience, and peace, not the propaganda being pushed. “Mera Lyari” will speak for itself,” Pakistani X user Hamza Siddiqui wrote.
Others agreed.
“Lyari’s spirit cannot be silenced. A community of culture, strength, and hope, not the tales of violence some try to sell. While misinformation spreads, Mera Lyari will showcase the true story of pride, resilience, and progress,” Kashif Raza Banbhan, Deputy Information Secretary Pakistan Peoples Party added on X.
Also read: Dhurandhar opens Pakistan vs Pakistan debate. Baloch are split, Karachi journalists divided
State-backed response
The film’s portrayal of real Pakistani political figures had led to debates, discussions and dissections.
Sumeta Afzal Syed, a spokesperson for the Sindh government, condemned the “unlawful” use of Benazir Bhutto’s image in scenes suggesting her party, PPP’s, sympathy for militants.
“The PPP has been a frontline victim of terrorism,” she wrote.
Most PPP supporters are all for Mera Lyari, saying “No matter how Dhurandhar distorts it, #MeraLyari will bring the truth to light.” But there were skeptics too. They are unsure if state-backed narratives actually work or would even match the scale of Dhurandhar.
“There’s no comparison between this [Mera Lyari] & that film [Dhurandhar] there’s one hell of a diff b/w both. If it were something on the scale of MJ [Fawad Khan’s Maula Jatt] maybe then a comparison could even be considered. That said I hope govt promotes it wo relying on hate speech since film is more focused on cultural aspect,” an X user wrote.
Others are downright critical, serving reminders of what the PPP did in Lyari.
“When India woke up, the Sindh government officially remembered Lyari’s valiant culture. The military occupation of the football ground in Lyari, dubbed Mini Brazil, is due to the People’s Party. Art and artists were destroyed under their political patronage. The People’s Party, which has taken away knowledge and employment from Lyari and imposed drugs and weapons…,” a disgruntled Pakistani X user Mehmal wrote.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
The print pak newz agency hain.
Pakistanis creating their own happiness as usual😂😂
Mera atta 😂😂🤣.
This is what sometimes people don’t understand. You can’t make propaganda for the sake of propaganda, you need to make it entertaining