The much-hyped Pakistani film Mera Lyari, which was being promoted as a response to the Indian blockbuster Dhurandhar, has been removed from theatres after a disastrous opening day. The film managed to sell only 22 tickets across all screenings, leading to its swift removal from cinemas.
Box Office Disaster
According to reports, Mera Lyari was released in multiple cities across Pakistan but failed to attract audiences. With just 22 tickets sold on its first day, the film recorded one of the lowest opening day collections in recent memory. Theatre owners decided to pull the film from screens due to overwhelming lack of interest.
Comparison with Dhurandhar
The film was heavily marketed as a Pakistani answer to the Indian action thriller Dhurandhar, which was a major box office success. However, the comparison backfired as audiences rejected Mera Lyari outright. Critics had panned the film for its poor script, weak performances, and substandard production values.
Industry Reactions
Film industry insiders expressed surprise at the scale of the failure. Some pointed to the lack of star power and poor marketing as reasons for the film's poor performance. Others noted that the film's theme, which was seen as overly nationalistic, may have alienated viewers.
The removal of Mera Lyari from theatres marks a significant setback for Pakistani cinema, which has been trying to compete with Bollywood productions. The film's director, in a statement, blamed the media for negative reviews but stopped short of apologizing to the audience.
Audience Response
Social media was abuzz with memes and jokes about the film's failure. Many users compared it to other low-grossing films and questioned the decision to market it as a rival to Dhurandhar. Some expressed sympathy for the cast and crew, but the general sentiment was one of disappointment.
As of now, there are no plans to re-release Mera Lyari in theatres or on streaming platforms. The film is expected to be a footnote in the history of Pakistani cinema, remembered more for its record-low ticket sales than any artistic merit.
