Nandita Das’ biopic on Saadat Hasan Manto — titled Manto — starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday.
“He was somebody who used to speak the truth despite all challenges he faced. For youth, it is extremely inspirational to see someone like him. I think it’s a film where the audience will be able to take home something and everyone will relate with his personality,”she told IANS
#cannes2018: @Nawazuddin_S slaying the red carpet with the girls at the official screening of #Manto pic.twitter.com/1ZjBhrbaNr
— BombayTimes (@bombaytimes) May 13, 2018
But will Nawaz be accepted as Manto in Pakistan?
“It’s a story of a human being who happens to be a writer. There is no relation of borders between two countries,” clarified Nandita. She added, ” It’s a very universal story. I don’t think audience from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will not be able to relate with it, it’s a very relatable story. I think everyone will relate with this film on different levels. We are not offending anybody”
Nandita also shared that Nawazuddin Siddiqui has a similar kind of personality in terms of views, anger, arrogance, sensitivity and humour. “I think it was a smooth ride for Nawazuddin to play this character. He used to tell me that he would not be able to do another film simultaneously because he had immersed himself so deep into the character of Manto.”
Watch the teaser below:
