Actor Dananeer Mobeen has addressed comparisons between her debut film ‘Mera Lyari’ and recent Bollywood film ‘Dhurandhar’, saying it was a disservice to think of her movie as a response to another film.
Speaking to journalists at the movie’s premiere in London, Mobeen was asked if the project served as a response to the Indian propaganda film, to which she said it should be defined by external comparisons instead.
“It’s a disservice to think of this movie as response to another film,” Mobeen said. She added that the movie’s core was extremely special as makers explored a number of themes including women in sports.
Directed by Abu Aleeha, Mera Lyari follows the lives of female footballers in Lyari, focusing on the hardships faced by women pursuing careers in sports.
“There are so many layers in this story so watching the film from one angle would be injustice. We all should watch this movie from bird’s eye view. It’s a beautiful film, it’s a beautiful image of Lyari,” Mobeen said when asked about comparisons between her new movie and the Bollywood flick that presented a fictitious version of the Lyari gang war.
The actress also spoke about her experience filming in the Karachi neighbourhood, noting that she felt welcomed. “I didn’t feel that there’s something totally different as Pakistan overall is a very hospitable country,” she said.
While fans are praising Mobeen’s maturity, saying she “speaks sense”, the actor’s red-carpet attire has also drawn attention for its cultural symbolism.
Wearing a traditional Baloch shalwar paired with a structured corset featuring illustrations of girls playing football, Mobeen also had jewelry and nail art specifically referencing Lyari and her character Afsana Baloch.
