Lyari Residents Demand Rs 500 Crore from Dhurandhar Film Earnings

The film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', directed by Aditya Dhar, has achieved remarkable success, reportedly exceeding Rs 1,100 crore globally. In response, residents from the Lyari neighbourhood in Pakistan have expressed their desire for ₹500 crore, or a 70 to 80 per cent share of the film's profits, to support local development projects.

A video shared by the YouTube channel, Comparison TV, captured the reactions of Lyari's residents regarding the film's financial success. One individual noted, "The film made on Lyari is a very VIP film and it earned a lot of money. May Lyari progress a lot and may these roads get built."

Another resident stated emphatically, "If you’re earning Rs 1,000 crore, then at least give ₹500 crore to the people of Lyari. If you give even half your earnings, these roads will get built. When children walk on them, they end up with blisters on their feet."

Further comments from locals echoed the sentiment that the earnings from 'Dhurandhar' should benefit Lyari. One person quipped, "We’ve been demanding this for a long time, but the people of Lyari haven’t received anything. Please give something, bhaijaan," emphasising their longstanding need for funding.

Community members also articulated the expectation that if the film profited from their neighbourhood's name and circumstances, the filmmakers should consider donating a significant portion of the earnings back to the community. "At least we should get crores. Lyari should get 70-80%. Where did the income come from? From using Lyari's name and showing its situations, so they should donate," said one resident.

The film itself features Indian actor Ranveer Singh in the role of Hamza, an undercover agent working within the gangs of Lyari. The narrative depicts the challenging dynamics of gang violence in the area, with Singh's character navigating these dangerous environments as part of his mission to dismantle a terror network affecting India.

Despite the film's captivating story, the portrayal of Lyari has not gone unnoticed, leading to calls for tangible benefits for its residents. The movie's popularity in India has sparked discussions among fans, with some commenting on the local demands for development funding stemming from the film's success.

As 'Dhurandhar' continues to break records at the box office, it's evident that its depiction of Lyari has resonated with both audiences and the residents of the community alike. The calls for funding speak to the wider context of how cinematic narratives can impact real-life communities and their expectations.

This blend of cinema and community highlighting underscores how film representations can lead to meaningful conversations about locality, identity, and the urgency for development in regions spotlighted by global media.