The Pakistani film industry had built significant hype around its latest release 'Mera Lyari', with many claiming it would give tough competition to Ranveer Singh's blockbuster 'Dhurandhar'. However, the reality turned out to be starkly different. The film's box office performance has been nothing short of disastrous. Reports suggest that audiences showed little to no interest in the film from its opening day. The situation became so dire that several theaters decided to pull the film on its very first day of release.
Film Sells Only 22 Tickets on Opening Day, Gets Trolled on Social Media
According to Asia Net News, 'Mera Lyari' hit Pakistani theaters on May 8, 2026, riding on the wave of being called Pakistan's answer to 'Dhurandhar'. However, the response was the complete opposite of what the makers had hoped for. Pakistani media reports reveal that the film managed to sell only 22 tickets on its very first day. The poor turnout reportedly led several cinemas to drop the film on its opening day. The film has also become the target of relentless trolling on social media, with many mocking its lackluster performance.
Film Based on Girls of Lyari, But Failed to Connect with Audiences
The film reportedly revolves around the lives of girls in Lyari and their fight against conservative mindsets to carve out a place for themselves in society. However, despite its meaningful premise, the story failed to connect with audiences. Interestingly, reports suggest that while 'Dhurandhar' was banned in Pakistan, its pirated version circulated widely and was watched by many. It is believed that this controversy sparked the idea of making homegrown films like 'Mera Lyari' to bring local stories to the forefront.
Star-Studded Cast and Government Backing Could Not Save the Film
Directed by Abu Aliha, the film had several factors in its favor. It boasted a recognizable cast, including Ayesha Omar, Dananeer Mobeen, Samiya Mumtaz, and Trinette Lucas. Additionally, the film received government backing, which was expected to boost its reach. Despite these advantages, the film failed to attract audiences. Industry analysts point to weak storytelling and lack of effective marketing as possible reasons for the debacle. The film's performance has sparked debates about the challenges faced by the Pakistani film industry in competing with Bollywood productions, even when local narratives are prioritized.
