Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar’ recently unveiled its trailer, offering a glimpse into the infamous gang wars of Lyari, a central district in Karachi, Pakistan. The trailer’s release on November 8 sparked immediate reactions from Lyari residents, who voiced opinions on the portrayal of their neighborhood’s turbulent history.
The film’s narrative centers on a decade-long period of gang conflict that gripped Lyari starting in 2009. These events are fictionalized in ‘Dhurandhar’. The film features Ranveer Singh as a spy, Akshay Khanna as the gangster Rehman Dacoit, and Sanjay Dutt as Superintendent of Police Chaudhry Aslam. These roles are reportedly inspired by real-life figures involved in the Lyari conflicts.
Many locals expressed that the film successfully captured the overall atmosphere of Lyari. One resident commented, “The environment of Lyari is exactly as they shot it.”
However, reactions were mixed regarding character accuracy. Interviews conducted by the ARY channel revealed specific critiques. Some residents felt the portrayal of Chaudhry Aslam was accurate, while Akshay Khanna’s look as Rehman Dacoit did not resemble the real gangster.
Others expressed a desire for consultation, with one person stating, “Indians made the film, they should have asked us. We would show them the streets of Lyari. We would also tell them about Rehman Dacoit.” Several residents extended an invitation to Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt, urging them to visit Lyari to understand its essence.
For the production, the entire Lyari town was meticulously recreated on a set in India. This allowed the filmmakers to depict the district’s complex environment.
Lyari has a deep history of gang activity. Gangs began to control this Karachi area in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to a rise in local crime. Gangs led by figures like Uzair Baloch and Rehman Dacoit gained political backing in the late 2000s. Superintendent of Police Chaudhry Aslam subsequently launched operations against them.
While based on these real events, ‘Dhurandhar’ presents a fictionalized account. The film also incorporates an angle depicting India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The film is scheduled for release on December 5.