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Dhurandhar’ Trailer Revives Lyari’s Past as Pakistan Responds With Humor and Critique

Local voices question the film’s portrayal of Lyari’s history.

Overview

  • The four-minute trailer follows an Indian spy infiltrating Karachi’s Lyari and stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, with a December 5 theatrical release announced.
  • Recent reporting ties the film’s story to Karachi police officer Chaudhry Aslam and gang figures Rehman Dakait and Uzair Baloch, though the filmmakers have not confirmed direct parallels.
  • India Today features journalist Zille Haider’s firsthand accounts of Aslam’s operations in Baldia Town and Lyari; Aslam was killed in a 2014 blast.
  • Pakistani reaction has shifted from anger to amusement, with viral videos showing Lyari children rapping invitations for Ranveer Singh and commentators questioning the trailer’s framing.
  • Coverage highlights that Lyari’s violence stemmed from turf wars, drugs and political patronage, including PPP links, and notes Pakistani filmmakers face censorship hurdles when tackling such subjects.