Pakistani journalist Arif Aajakia has come forward to support the portrayal of Lyari in the film Dhurandhar, asserting that it accurately reflects the region’s realities. His comments come amid ongoing discussions online regarding the film’s narrative and its implications. Aajakia cites his own life experiences in Lyari as evidence of the authenticity depicted in the movie.

While some audiences have expressed concerns that Dhurandhar promotes a specific political agenda, others appreciate its connections to real-life events involving crime syndicates and counter-terrorism efforts in Lyari. Aajakia’s perspective adds a valuable dimension to the discourse surrounding the film and its reception.

In a video interview shared by ANI during the Talk Journalism 2026 programme, Aajakia addressed the conversation surrounding the portrayal of his hometown. He stated, “I was the mayor of a town in Karachi, elected mayor during the period when Dhurandhar was done. I was born and raised in Lyari, so I knew that everything shown was true.” His positionality enhances his credibility in discussing the film’s accuracy.

Aajakia’s Background and Identity

Aajakia elaborated on his lineage and personal history, further illustrating his connection to the region. He revealed, “I was born in Karachi, but my parents were born in Junagadh, Gujarat. I consider myself to be of Indian origin, not Pakistani.” This statement highlights the complex identities that exist within the region and adds layers to the narrative connected to the film.

His emphasis on being of Indian descent despite residing in Pakistan underscores the multifaceted nature of identity in South Asia. Aajakia’s remarks resonate particularly in the context of cultural narratives and historical ties present within the region’s communities.

Overview of Dhurandhar

Dhurandhar revolves around the story of an Indian undercover operative navigating perilous criminal networks. The film features actor Ranveer Singh in the role of Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also known as Hamza Ali Mazari. He portrays an Indian intelligence agent who adopts a false identity while infiltrating Pakistan’s crime and terror operations.

The first installment of the Dhurandhar series was released on December 5, 2025, achieving significant box office success by earning over Rs 1,350 crore globally. It set the stage for its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which premiered on March 19, 2026, and grossed an additional Rs 1,800 crore, bringing the franchise’s total earnings to over Rs 3,100 crore.

The films also boast a diverse ensemble cast featuring notable actors such as R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Gaurav Gera, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, Danish Pandor, Udaybir Sandhu, Bimal Oberoi, Saumya Tandon, and Manav Gohil. Following its theatrical release, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set to be made available in its Raw and Undekha version on JioHotstar in India on June 4, 2026.

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