The film Mera Lyari, featuring actor Ayesha Omar, has been officially selected for screening at the 28th edition of the UK Asian Film Festival, where it will be showcased on May 2.
The film, directed by Abu Aleeha, is set in Karachi’s Lyari area and explores themes centered on sports culture, local traditions, and women’s empowerment, presenting a different and more positive image of the locality.
Originally titled Behnaz, the project was later renamed Mera Lyari following the release of an Indian propaganda film, a development that brought additional attention to the production.
Earlier, the Sindh government had described the film as a response to an anti-Pakistan Indian film, highlighting its cultural significance. Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had also indicated in January that the film would be released across Pakistan, though the release was later delayed.
The film is now scheduled for nationwide release in Pakistan on May 8.
The cast includes rising actor Dananeer Mobeen in her film debut, along with senior performers Nadeem Baig, Samiya Mumtaz, and Adnan Shah, among others. In addition to acting, Ayesha Omar also serves as an executive producer on the project.
Ayesha Omar made her entry into film production in 2024 with Tich Button, marking her gradual expansion into cinema beyond acting.
Director Abu Aleeha previously gained international recognition at the same festival, winning Best Director in 2022 for Javed Iqbal, while actor Yasir Hussain received the Best Actor award for his performance in the film.