Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s ‘Manto’ reaches Cannes Film Festival

One of the much-awaited films directed by Nandita Das’ — Manto — is set for screening at the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival. The film based on Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the protagonist, has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the film festival.

READ MORE: Will Nawazuddin Siddiqui play villain in Rajinikanth film?

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Filmmaker Nandita Das tweeted: “We are in Cannes! ‘Manto’ is selected in the official section Un Certain Regards. Exciting moment for the entire crew and cast”.

We are in Cannes!! #Manto is selected in the official section- Un Certain Regards. Exciting moment for the entire crew & cast. @Viacom18Movies @HP @ajlucio5 @vikbatra @mantagoyal @Nawazuddin_S @RasikaDugal @chintskap @SirPareshRawal @tahirbhasinfc @Javedakhtarjadu @gurdasmaan https://t.co/Rfva438Kpc

— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) April 12, 2018

Meanwhile, actor Nawazuddin wrote how Manto is immortal and expressed his joy. The tweet read, “And it is possible that Saadat Hasan dies, but Manto remains alive. Glad to inform that ‘Manto’ is selected for competition at Cannes 2018 in Un Certain Regard section. Congratulations Nandita Das and Team ‘Manto’.”

“And it is possible that Saadat Hasan dies, but MANTO remains alive”.
Glad to inform that ‘MANTO’ is selected for competition at #Cannes2018 in #UnCertainRegard section.
Congratulations @nanditadas and Team #Manto pic.x.com/LBKcSVb1vb

— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) April 12, 2018

Manto, a biographical historical period drama film about the writer who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan, is the only Indian film in Un Certain Regard category of the gala. The film fest will be held from May 8 to 19.

The film also features Tahir Raj Bhasin as Shyam Chaddha, who was Manto’s friend, confidant, and inspiration for a number of stories. Actress Rasika Dugal essays the role of Manto’s wife Safia, while Rajshri Deshpande will play the part of author Ismat Chughtai. Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor too also be seen essaying a minor role in the film.

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Among the films in the special screenings section are Gilles Porte’s documentary The State Against Mandela and The Others, 10 Years in Thailand and Wim Wenders’s documentary Pope Francis – A Man of his Word.

-With IANS inputs