Dananeer Mobeen's film debut lands in trouble over her portrayal of Lyari athletes

Young drama star Dananeer Mobeen is now all set to make her big-screen debut with the upcoming film Behnaz, following her recent television success, but not everyone is looking forward to it.

Dananeer is reportedly currently working on a sports-based film set in Lyari, a Karachi neighbourhood known for its football talent and rich culture. The film is being directed by Abu Aleeha, who is known for projects like Kukri, Super Punjabi, and Taxali Gate.

Renowned actress Ayesha Omar will also feature in the film, playing the role of a football coach.

While the announcement has excited many of Dananeer’s fans, who are thrilled to see her take this next step in her career, the casting choice has triggered online backlash, especially around issues of representation and colourism.

On X (formerly Twitter), user Maryam J (@maryammjamali) voiced strong concerns: “Log isse hot take samjhein ge, but casting Dananeer in a film on football in Lyari probably based on or inspired by stories of Baloch footballers, especially Afro-Baloch communities is not it. She’s the big new star but this also reeks of colorism and co-opting stories.”

Maryam added: “Lyari has such a huge arts community specifically into filmmaking and music that they can easily cast local people in their own stories. This interest in the arts was driven by young people coping with the amount of violence that took place there.”

She also pointed out: “People in Lyari don’t look like her. Their identity as ‘Little Brazil’ historically comes from people watching Brazilian players like Pelé and relating to them, joking that they look the same.”

Another user responded in agreement: “Hot take nahi hai you’re absolutely right & it’s extremely weird that they didn’t cast a local.”

In addition to criticism over representation, others also raised concerns about the repetitive casting of popular TV stars in Pakistani films, saying it limits space for new talent.

“It’s getting boring to see the same actors again and again something new should happen,” commented another user.