‘Give Us 80%’: Pakistan’s Lyari Residents Demand Profit Share Of Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ | Viral Video

A lively debate has erupted online after a video from Lyari in Pakistan began circulating widely on social media. In the clip, local residents are seen reacting to filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s upcoming film ''Dhurandhar,'' questioning whether the people of Lyari should benefit financially since the movie is set in their neighbourhood. Lyari, one of Karachi’s most densely populated areas, is portrayed in the film during the period between 1999 and 2009.The viral video, shared on X, captures a group of locals discussing the film’s setting and its success, with several residents expressing strong opinions on profit-sharing.One resident asks why the people of Lyari should not receive any financial benefit if their town has been used as the backdrop for

an Indian film.Another resident goes further, suggesting that Dhar should hand over a significant share of the film’s earnings to the locality. “He should give us 80% at least. It isn’t really a huge sacrifice since he will continue making films anyway. So, how much would he really lose by sharing 80% of his earnings from just one movie," the man says.

Others echo similar demands, though with varying figures. One person suggests the residents should receive at least half of the profits, while others mention amounts ranging from “5 crore" to “20 crore," with one arguing that the funds could even be used to build a hospital. Another casually settles on “12 crore."The discussion is not limited to monetary compensation. Responding to reports that Dhurandhar has turned into a major success, one resident suggests that if direct profit-sharing is unrealistic, Dhar could still invest in Lyari itself. He proposes that part of the earnings be used to improve Cheel Chowk, the area’s iconic eagle roundabout. “He could at least get it painted or fix the lights," he says, describing it as a simple goodwill gesture.Midway through the video, the conversation takes a more serious turn when one resident objects to how Lyari has been portrayed in the film. He argues that although gang violence exists in many places, “it no longer defines lyari." According to him, the neighbourhood has moved beyond its troubled past. He also warns that such portrayals could have lasting consequences, potentially influencing future generations in the wrong way.The reel concludes on a note of blunt realism. With a smirk, one man remarks that despite all the demands, the people of Lyari will not receive “a single rupee." He adds that while he is unsure how or why the film was made about their town, the reality is that no financial benefit will ever reach its residents.