Lyari, a Karachi borough, gained national prominence in India after the Dhurandhar franchise. However, the reception across the border has been mixed, with many criticizing the film's portrayal of Lyari as lawless and chaotic. A new film from Pakistan, Mera Lyari, aims to 'correct that wrong.'
Mera Lyari is a sports drama that focuses on female football players from the historic Karachi borough. The film stars Ayesha Omar as a football coach who suffered a debilitating injury, ostensibly a result of domestic abuse. The star cast also includes Dananeer Mobeen and Trinette Lucas. The film features many local footballers and residents in its supporting cast.
The film is backed by Sindh's Information Department and has been hailed as Pakistan hitting back at 'negative propaganda' pushed by India. Sindh Minister of Information Sharjeel Memon had called Dhurandhar 'yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan,' adding that Mera Lyari will show 'the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.'
Mera Lyari will premiere at the UK Asian Film Festival, followed by a theatrical release in Pakistan on May 8.
