Pakistan’s ‘Dhurandhar Rival’ Mera Lyari Crashes at Box Office, Sells Just 22 Tickets

Mera Lyari Box Office Collection Day 1 Reportedly Opens To Empty Screens

According to multiple Pakistani media reports cited by Aaj Tak and regional entertainment portals, Mera Lyari struggled from its very first shows. The film reportedly registered extremely low occupancy across major centres, forcing exhibitors to rethink screenings almost immediately.

Trade discussions online claimed the film sold around 22 tickets in total in certain theatres, making it one of the weakest theatrical openings for a widely promoted Pakistani release in recent times. Several cinemas allegedly replaced the movie with stronger-performing titles within a day due to negligible audience turnout.

Note: Official figures have not been released by makers.

Why Mera Lyari Was Compared To Dhurandhar

Before release, Mera Lyari generated curiosity because it was seen as a response to Dhurandhar, the Indian action franchise that portrayed Karachi’s Lyari area through crime, terrorism, and espionage themes.

While Dhurandhar featured high-voltage action with stars like Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, Mera Lyari attempted a completely different narrative. Abu Aleeha’s film focused on women’s football, youth aspirations, and community life in Lyari, aiming to showcase a more hopeful and grounded image of the locality.

The contrast between the two films became a major talking point on social media even before release.

Political Support Failed To Convert Into Box Office Numbers

One of the biggest talking points around Mera Lyari was the public support it received from Pakistan’s Sindh government. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reportedly promoted the project and described it as a cinematic response to “negative propaganda” surrounding Lyari.

The film also highlighted local representation, with director Abu Aleeha revealing that nearly 80 percent of the supporting cast and football players were actual Lyari residents. Despite the authenticity angle and political attention, the buzz failed to translate into ticket sales.

Trade analysts believe the film suffered due to limited commercial appeal, weak theatrical pull, and lack of mass entertainment elements.

Comparison With Dhurandhar Makes The Failure More Noticeable

The comparisons with Dhurandhar unintentionally raised expectations for Mera Lyari. While the Indian franchise became known for its scale, intense storytelling, and global box office reach, Mera Lyari entered theatres as a smaller sports drama with niche appeal.

Interestingly, Dhurandhar 2 reportedly broke several overseas records and even dethroned Pathaan in the UK market. In contrast, Mera Lyari struggled to sustain even basic occupancy in local theatres.

The sharp contrast in audience response has now become one of the most discussed entertainment stories across India and Pakistan.

Cast Performance Earns Praise Despite Commercial Failure

Even though the film underperformed commercially, several viewers appreciated the performances of Ayesha Omar, Dananeer Mobeen, Samia Mumtaz, and Trinette Lucas.

The film’s attempt to spotlight women’s football and everyday struggles in Lyari also received praise from some critics online. However, positive intent alone could not help the film survive in theatres, especially amid growing competition from mainstream entertainers and streaming platforms.

Trade Experts Predict Short Theatrical Run

Trade experts now predict that Mera Lyari may end its theatrical journey much sooner than expected. With shows reportedly cancelled and screens already reduced in several regions, the film’s overall worldwide collection is expected to remain extremely low.

Industry observers believe the movie may find a second life on OTT or television platforms, where socially driven dramas often receive better appreciation compared to theatrical release. However, its box office run is already being labelled as one of the biggest commercial disappointments among recent Pakistani films.

Final Verdict

Despite strong pre-release discussion, political attention, and comparisons with Dhurandhar, Mera Lyari failed to create any meaningful impact at the box office. The film’s reported removal from theatres after weak occupancy and minimal ticket sales has turned it into a major talking point online.

While the intention behind the project was to present a more positive image of Lyari through sport and community spirit, audiences ultimately did not connect with the film in theatres. The result is a harsh reminder that buzz and controversy alone are never enough to guarantee box office success.