[11][12][13] When Alia's (Mansha Pasha) husband, Noman Malik (Ali Kazmi), is murdered in a brutal target killing in Karachi, she seeks answers and revenge.

Up against a lazy justice system, as well as a social structure that isn't kind to single women, she pushes ahead in fury.

Alia reaches out to Inspector Ibrahim (Rashid Farooqui), a corrupt police officer who doesn't seem much interested in her case and instead mocks her for struggling to find the assassin.

A greedy Inspector Ibrahim arranges a meeting with him and tries convincing him for a bribe, but the man rejects his offer and gives him a measly 5000 rupees, asking him to leave.

Infuriated, Ibrahim smashes his car's windows and puts forth his demand: if he isn't paid 20 million, he will now charge the man with murder and land theft.

The police and the business tycoon's security ensue an elaborate battle which seems to be in the hands of Inspector Ibrahim's forces but slowly, the guards turn the tide and both sides suffer heavy losses.

The film ends with phone footage showing Noman and Alia's happy memories together, before cutting off to Adeel seemingly enjoying his life in Dubai.

He then records a video message for Alia saying he thinks life in Dubai is fun, but he can't fit in, and will return to Karachi soon.

"[22] Hamna Zubair of Images Dawn mentioned that "The film walks a knife's edge between stirring up hope and raising a mirror to Karachi's harsh, gritty realities".

It depends on lesser-known acting talent to flesh out its ranks, proving that big names don't necessarily equal good films."

Mansha plays Aliya with great restraint, which is on point" and "Ahmed Ali Akbar brings a grit and authenticity that is equal to what Karachi's streets demand of men.

"[23] Ifrah Salman of Oye Yeah gave a positive review and remarked, "Strong and intense performances come on the back of a well written story by Abbas Ali Naqvi and superb direction by Kamal Khan."

The writer of Karachista thoroughly praised the film and remarked that, "Laal Kabootar should rightly be the first hit to come out of our industry this year."