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Pakistan Announces Film to Counter Indian ‘Propaganda’ Following Dhurandhar Success
Pakistan’s Sindh government has announced plans for a new film titled “Mera Lyari” in direct response to the controversial Indian blockbuster “Dhurandhar,” starring Ranveer Singh, which has drawn criticism for its portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood.
As “Dhurandhar” continues its box office dominance in India, officials in Pakistan have expressed strong disapproval of the film’s depiction of Lyari, a historically significant area in Karachi. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce the counter-production.
“Indian movie ‘Dhurandhar’ is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari,” Memon wrote. “Lyari is not violence—it is culture, peace, talent, and resilience.”
The Pakistani production, scheduled for release in January 2026, aims to present what officials describe as “the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.” The Sindh Information Department reinforced this message on its social media channels, stating, “Misrepresentation cannot erase reality. Lyari stands for culture, peace, and resilience—not violence.”
Industry observers note that the Pakistani film was originally titled “Behnaz” but has been strategically renamed “Mera Lyari” to capitalize on the controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” and its commercial success. The timing of the announcement appears calculated to counter the narrative presented in the Indian production.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions in cross-border entertainment and cultural representation between the neighboring countries. Films depicting sensitive geopolitical issues have frequently become flashpoints in India-Pakistan relations, with each side accusing the other of propaganda.
Lyari itself has a complex history as one of Karachi’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods. While it has faced periods of gang violence and socioeconomic challenges, it has also produced notable contributions to Pakistani sports, arts, and culture. The area is particularly known for its passion for football, producing several national-level players over the decades.
Meanwhile, “Dhurandhar” continues its remarkable commercial run in India and international markets. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan, the film has broken numerous box office records.
In just ten days of theatrical release, “Dhurandhar” has accumulated approximately 300 crore rupees (about $36 million) at the domestic Indian box office. Its worldwide collections have surpassed 500 crore rupees (approximately $60 million), positioning it to potentially become the highest-grossing Indian film of the year.
The film’s commercial success comes despite—or perhaps partly because of—its controversial subject matter. Cross-border themed productions have historically performed well at the Indian box office, tapping into nationalistic sentiments.
This cultural clash through cinema reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics between India and Pakistan, where soft power and media narratives remain important tools in shaping public perception. As both films eventually reach audiences, they will likely contribute to ongoing discussions about representation, cultural identity, and the complex relationship between the two South Asian nations.
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10 Comments
It’s good to see the Pakistani government taking proactive steps to counter what they see as propaganda from the Indian film industry. Presenting the ‘true face of Lyari’ through their own production is a bold move.
Absolutely. Competing narratives and claims of truth will make for an intriguing dialogue. I’m curious to see how the two films’ portrayals of Lyari differ and what insights they provide.
The announcement of ‘Mera Layari’ is a clear response to the perceived misrepresentation in ‘Dhurandhar.’ It will be interesting to analyze the themes, characters, and messaging in both films to understand the differing perspectives.
Agreed. This could spark a fascinating cultural and political discussion around the power of cinema to shape perceptions, especially in tense geopolitical contexts.
Interesting that Pakistan is responding directly to the Indian film ‘Dhurandhar.’ Seems like they want to present a more balanced and nuanced perspective on Lyari. I’m curious to see how the ‘Mera Layari’ film portrays the neighborhood and its people.
I agree, this is an intriguing counter-response. It will be informative to compare the two films’ depictions of Lyari and understand the different narratives at play.
While films can sometimes simplify or exaggerate complex realities, I hope the Pakistani production provides a more holistic and empathetic portrayal of Lyari. Constructive dialogue through the arts can be valuable.
That’s a thoughtful point. If handled skillfully, this cinematic exchange could foster greater mutual understanding between the two nations, even if they maintain differing perspectives.
Addressing biases and misrepresentation in media is important, especially around sensitive geopolitical issues. I hope the Pakistani film provides a more authentic portrayal that gives voice to the Lyari community.
Well said. Nuance and accuracy are crucial when depicting complex sociopolitical realities on screen. This could be an interesting cultural exchange between the neighboring countries.