Dhurandhar: Despite not being published in Pakistan, Ranveer Singh’s crime thriller Dhurandhar has caused a stir on the other side of the border. Dhurandhar, which was released in India on December 5, depicts Lyari as a place where gang warfare, police confrontations, drug trafficking, the weapons trade, and terrorism predominate. The story takes place between 1999 and 2009. The film’s portrayal of Lyari has not been well accepted in Pakistan, despite its impressive box office performance in India. Because Dhurandhar is directed by Aditya Dhar, whose earlier film Uri: The Surgical Strike also drew condemnation in Pakistan for its political tone, the criticism has been more scathing.

Pakistan’s Sindh Information Department has criticized the Aditya Dhar-directed film, which is mostly set in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood. In reaction, the department has released its own video. The Pakistani project, called Mera Lyari, is scheduled to open in January 2026 and intends to rectify what authorities say is an inaccurate and deceptive representation of the old Karachi neighborhood in Dhurandhar. Sindh officials contend that the movie disregards Lyari’s social and cultural identity and perpetuates negative perceptions about it.

The Sindh Information Department responded by announcing Mera Lyari, a movie that it claims would depict the neighborhood’s “real” aspect. In a post on X, the department expressed its stance and called Dhurandhar propaganda. “Reality cannot be erased by deception. Instead of violence, Lyari represents culture, harmony, and fortitude. Mera Lyari will convey the true tale of pride and success, whereas Dhurandhar will disseminate misinformation, the department said. “Indian propaganda against Lyari will never be successful,” it said. Officials claim that Mera Lyari will give a positive storyline that stands in stark contrast to the Indian film by emphasizing the region’s history, cultural variety, and sense of community.

Ranveer Singh portrays Humza Ali Mazari in Dhurandhar, who visits Pakistan and joins the criminal underworld of Lyari. The movie goes back to a period when organized crime and high levels of violence were well-known around the world in Karachi. One of the most notorious gang bosses in Karachi, Rehman Dakait, is portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. The plot also includes Superintendent of Police Chaudhary Aslam Khan, who is well-known for spearheading forceful crackdowns on local criminal gangs. Due to turf wars and gang fighting, Lyari was often referred to be one of the city’s most afflicted neighborhoods at that time.

There are no indications that the Dhurandhar franchise would slow down, even if Mera Lyari is scheduled to debut early next year. Dhurandhar Part Two’s March 19 release date has already been announced by the producers.