The recent appearance of Lyari and its characters in the Bollywood film Dharandhar has sparked widespread debate in Pakistan. Social media buzzed with reactions, pride, and criticism — but amid the noise, one crucial fact was overlooked: Pakistani filmmakers have been telling Lyari’s stories for years, long before Bollywood turned its lens toward the neighborhood.
While these local films lacked big budgets, aggressive promotions, and box-office glamour, they carried something far more valuable — authenticity. From sports biopics to crime dramas and social thrillers, Pakistani cinema has repeatedly explored Lyari’s spirit, struggles, and resilience, often under extremely challenging conditions.
Local Stories, Limited Resources
Long before Dharandhar, Lyari had already appeared in Pakistani cinema through sincere yet underfunded projects. Most of these films failed commercially and quietly disappeared from the mainstream, but their creators continued pushing forward. These efforts deserve renewed attention, especially at a time when foreign validation often dictates local appreciation.
Shah — A Story of Grit and Glory
Released on August 14, 2015, Shah was among the earliest Pakistani films linked to Lyari. The film portrayed the inspiring journey of Olympic boxer Hussain Shah, who won a bronze medal for Pakistan at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Written, directed, and starring Adnan Sarwar, the film captured the fighting spirit associated with Lyari.
Due to security concerns, much of the film could not be shot in Lyari itself. Instead, Sarwar recreated the environment in Lahore, even bringing dozens of people from Karachi to ensure realism. Made on a modest budget of Rs 8.5 million, Shah achieved limited box office success but earned respect for its ambition and dedication.
Chaudhry — A Tough Reality Check
Released on June 24, 2022, Chaudhry focused on the life of legendary Karachi police officer Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam Khan — a figure later depicted in Bollywood’s Dharandhar. Produced by Neha Laaj, the film required heavy financial and emotional investment.
Originally budgeted at Rs 40 million, production costs rose to over Rs 85 million due to multiple challenges. The tragic death of model and actor Zara Abid during filming forced reshoots and delays. Shot largely in Lyari, the film highlighted gang warfare and law enforcement efforts in the area. Despite its scale and effort, Chaudhry struggled at the box office.
Dooda — Lyari Through a Balochi Lens
Pakistan’s first Balochi-language feature film, Dooda, also placed Lyari at its core. Directed by Adil Bizenjo, nearly 80 percent of the film was shot in Lyari’s streets. The story follows a young boxer fighting for identity and survival.
With a budget of approximately Rs 7.5 million, the production relied heavily on creativity. The crew even filmed during power outages to capture authentic street scenes. Although the film only recovered its costs, its cultural and historical significance remains unmatched.
Daadal — A Woman’s Fight Against the Odds
Released on Eid-ul-Fitr on April 22, 2023, Daadal brought a fresh angle to Lyari’s narrative by centering on a female boxer. Starring Soniya Hussain, the action thriller followed a woman forced by circumstances into a dangerous world.
Mostly filmed in Lyari, the movie was produced on a budget of around Rs 30 million. Despite initial attention, it failed commercially. Director Abu Aleeha later revealed that the story had potential for expansion, but unfavorable conditions halted further plans.
Madari — A Raw and Unfiltered Portrait
Another Lyari-based film, Madari, was released on Eid-ul-Adha on June 29, 2023. Created by graduates of the National Academy of Performing Arts, the film faced severe distribution challenges due to limited funding.
With no star power and minimal screenings, Madari suffered financial losses. However, it offered a raw and honest look at Lyari and Karachi’s complex social and political realities, setting it apart from more conventional narratives.
Mera Lyari — A New Hope on the Horizon
Now, attention is shifting to Mera Lyari, an upcoming film scheduled for release in January 2026. According to Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the film aims to present a positive and realistic image of Lyari.
The story revolves around two young girls dreaming of becoming footballers, guided by a local female coach. Directed by Abu Aleeha, the cast includes Dananeer Mobeen, Ayesha Omar, Samina Ahmed, and Nauman Ejaz. The project has already generated curiosity for its uplifting theme and fresh perspective.
Beyond Budgets and Box Office Numbers
It is widely acknowledged that many Pakistani films set in Lyari fall short in technical areas such as cinematography, sound, and post-production. Limited budgets often make high production values impossible. Yet, the true worth of these films lies in their existence.
They reflect the determination of Pakistani filmmakers to tell local stories despite limited resources and minimal industry support.
Time to Look Inward
As conversations around Dharandhar continue, it is worth asking whether we should wait for foreign cinema to spotlight our cities before valuing them. Cinema is more than entertainment — it is a medium of identity, memory, and resistance.
Lyari-based Pakistani films may not have dominated the box office, but they represent a vital cultural record. Perhaps it is time these stories receive the attention they always deserved.
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