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Pakistan Announces “Mera Layari” Film to Counter Alleged Misrepresentation in Indian Blockbuster
The Sindh government in Pakistan has announced plans to release a new film titled “Mera Layari” in January 2026, positioning it as a direct response to what officials describe as negative propaganda in the Indian blockbuster “Dhurandhar,” starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna.
“Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by B62 Studios and Jio Studios, has become one of India’s highest-grossing films of 2025. However, the action thriller has sparked controversy in Pakistan for its portrayal of Lyari, a historic neighborhood in Karachi that was once known for gang violence and organized crime.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Sindh Information Department declared: “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.”
Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon echoed these sentiments, writing: “Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari. Lyari is not violence—it is culture, peace, talent, and resilience.”
The announcement reveals that an existing Pakistani film project titled “Behnaz,” directed by Abu Aleeha and produced by Ayesha Omar, has been renamed “Mera Layari” to serve this purpose.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries, often played out through cultural and media representations. Films depicting sensitive geopolitical issues frequently become flashpoints in India-Pakistan relations, with each side accusing the other of propaganda or misrepresentation.
Interestingly, despite the official government stance, “Dhurandhar” has received positive reviews from some Pakistani viewers abroad. A viral video circulating on social media features Pakistani expatriates praising the film, with one woman calling it a “must-watch” and claiming she had never seen such a good movie before. Another viewer directly addressed his fellow Pakistanis, insisting the film isn’t anti-Pakistan but rather presents historical facts.
The film’s controversial nature has affected its distribution in certain markets. While performing exceptionally well in India and most international territories, “Dhurandhar” was reportedly banned in six Gulf countries that deemed it anti-Pakistan.
The neighborhood of Lyari itself has a complex history. Once notorious for gang warfare and criminal activity, local authorities have worked to transform its image in recent years through community development, sports programs, and cultural initiatives. The area has produced numerous national athletes and artists, aspects that Pakistani officials claim “Dhurandhar” fails to acknowledge.
Film industry analysts note that this is not the first time cinema has become a battleground for competing national narratives between India and Pakistan. Both countries have historically produced films that reflect their respective perspectives on shared historical events and contested territories.
“Mera Layari” appears poised to continue this tradition, promising to showcase what the Sindh government calls “the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.” The film’s release in early 2026 will likely reignite discussions about the responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting sensitive cross-border issues and the power of cinema in shaping international perceptions.
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9 Comments
Launching a film initiative to share Lyari’s ‘authentic story’ is a bold move by the Sindh government. It will be interesting to see how they balance historical context with more positive narratives about the community’s culture and resilience.
While films can be powerful tools for storytelling, it’s concerning to see allegations of propaganda on both sides. I hope the ‘Mera Layari’ initiative can provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan on this issue.
The ‘Mera Layari’ film sounds like a good opportunity for the Sindh government to highlight the positive aspects of the Lyari community that may have been overlooked or misrepresented. I look forward to seeing how they approach this narrative.
Portraying Lyari as a place of ‘culture, peace, and resilience’ rather than just violence and crime could help challenge stereotypes. It will be interesting to see how the ‘Mera Layari’ film presents a more nuanced and balanced perspective.
Interesting to see the Sindh government’s response to the portrayal of Lyari in the Indian film ‘Dhurandhar’. Countering perceived propaganda with their own film initiative could be an effective way to share Lyari’s authentic story.
While the allegations of propaganda are concerning, I appreciate the Sindh government’s efforts to tell Lyari’s story from their perspective. Providing a platform for diverse narratives is important for fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the portrayal of Lyari in ‘Dhurandhar’ is a complex issue. I hope the ‘Mera Layari’ film can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the community and its challenges.
The Sindh government’s response highlights the importance of accurately representing local communities in media. I’m curious to learn more about the ‘Mera Layari’ film and how it aims to counter the perceived misrepresentation in ‘Dhurandhar’.
The ‘Mera Layari’ initiative seems like a constructive response to the perceived misrepresentation in ‘Dhurandhar’. I’m curious to see how the Sindh government’s film will approach this sensitive topic and contribute to the broader dialogue.