Pakistan’s Lyari seeks share of Dhurandhar box office earnings

Residents of Lyari in Pakistan have called for a share of the box office earnings from Dhurandhar: The Revenge, with some demanding up to 80% of the film’s revenue for local development.

The demand comes after the Ranveer Singh-starrer crossed ₹1,000 crore globally, drawing attention to the Karachi locality that inspired its storyline.

In videos circulating online, residents argued that since the film used Lyari’s name and setting, the community should benefit financially. Some suggested that funds could be used to improve infrastructure, including roads and public facilities.

Locals say their demands stem from the belief that the film capitalised on Lyari’s identity and real-life conditions. Many highlighted the area’s poor infrastructure and argued that the movie’s success should translate into tangible benefits for the community.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film follows an Indian intelligence officer navigating gang networks in Lyari. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun.

So far, neither the director nor the producers have responded to the demands. The issue has sparked a broader debate around representation, ownership and whether communities depicted in films should share in their commercial success.