Mera Lyari, Pakistan’s answer to Dhurandhar, set for global debut
Film premieres at UK Asian Film Festival, positioned as Pakistan’s response to Indian portrayals of Lyari, spotlights Karachi’s footballing girls
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — After months of delays and missed deadlines, the film Mera Lyari is finally set to premiere, offering what its makers describe as a Pakistani response to Indian films such as Dhurandhar and their portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari.
The film explores Lyari through the lives of young girls and their passion for football. Executive producer Ayesha Omar announced Saturday that it will debut at the UK Asian Film Festival.
Mera Lyari will be screened at the British Film Institute in London’s Southbank on May 2, with tickets now available. Omar described the premiere as a moment “that brings the spirit of Lyari to a global stage” ahead of its eventual release in Pakistan.
The film stars Omar alongside Dananeer Mobeen, Samiya Mumtaz, Nayyar Ejaz, Paras Masroor, Adnan Shah Tipu and Shoaib Hassan. It also marks the silver screen debut of model Trinette Lucas, who described the project as exciting, nerve-wracking and memorable in an Instagram post.
The story follows a disabled football coach, played by Omar, who returns to Lyari after a long absence to conduct trials for girls in the area. There, Afsana, played by Mobeen, defies her strict father, while Kushmala, portrayed by Lucas, escapes a forced marriage. The two find refuge in football, secretly training for a chance to compete at the national level.
Director Abu Aleeha has said the film’s authenticity is its greatest strength, noting it was shot in Lyari with significant local participation. “Eighty percent of the cast — including supporting actors, members of local football teams and even our hero Shoaib Hassan — are actual Lyari inhabitants,” he said.
In December, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon praised the film as a response to what he described as “negative propaganda” from India.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, briefly set a record as the highest-grossing Hindi-language film within a month of its release. The record was later surpassed by its sequel after just over two weeks in cinemas, underscoring the popularity of the franchise.
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