Pakistan's much-hyped film Mera Lyari, sold only 22 tickets upon release and was reportedly pulled from many theatres on its first day. The film was touted as Pak's reply to India's Dhurandhar films.
An X user wrote, "You mean to tell me Sindh gov gave them 9cr to make #MeraLyari and everyone that's watched the film is saying it looks like it was made in somebodies damn basement.
What did they use the money for? (sic)"
Pakistan’s film industry had built up significant hype around its recent release, Mera Lyari, with many describing it as the country’s answer to India’s Dhurandhar franchise. But the film opened to a poor response, with reports suggesting it managed to sell only 22 tickets.
The audience showed little interest from the very first day, and several cinemas pulled it on the day of release.
Mera Lyari sells only 22 tickets on Day 1
According to Asia Net News, Mera Lyari was released in Pakistani theatres on May 8, 2026, amid claims that it would pose strong competition to Dhurandhar.
However, Pakistani media reports said the film sold only 22 tickets on its opening day. The weak turnout reportedly led several theatres to drop the film immediately, while the release has also been trolled on social media.
Mera Lyari criticised for bad storytelling
An X review read, "I am sitting in cinema watching #MeraLyari...It feels like a 2-hour-long Play rather than a movie. Excellent cinematography and acting. Good plot but bad story telling full of sluggish moments. The director should understand the difference between TV play and a movie for cinema. (sic)"
Lyari girls' struggle tale can't impress Pak
The film is reportedly based on the lives of girls in Lyari and their struggle against conservative mindsets as they try to make a place for themselves in society. Despite the premise, reports said the story failed to connect with audiences in Pakistan.
Reports said that although Dhurandhar was banned in Pakistan, pirated versions of the film circulated widely and were watched by many. It is believed that the controversy surrounding the release of the Ranveer Singh-starrer prompted efforts to create homegrown films such as Mera Lyari and push local stories to the forefront.
Mera Lyari has a cast familiar to Pak fans
Directed by Abu Aliha, Mera Lyari features a cast that is familiar to fans in Pakistan, including Ayesha Omar, Dananeer Mobeen, Samiya Mumtaz, and Trinette Lucas. Despite the pre-release hype, the film failed to draw audiences, reportedly selling only 22 tickets on opening day before being pulled from several theatres.
Lyari residents divided over Dhurandhar
Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar films show Ranveer Singh playing an Indian spy who successfully infiltrates the gangs of Lyari to bust a terror network. A feature broadcast by the Pakistani news channel ARY News had gathered mixed reactions from Lyari residents regarding their town's portrayal in the film.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment