Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s ‘Manto’ trailer to be out on Independence Day

The trailer of Nandita Das’ biopic on Saadat Hasan Manto, will be releasing on digital platforms on Wednesday, to coincide with India’s Independence Day. Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, ‘Manto’ chronicles the life of the revered Urdu writer and iconoclast.

The makers of ‘Manto’ announced the trailer release date on Tuesday, in a series of videos accompanied by Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s line “bol ke lab azaad hai”. The free speech-themed videos showed various celebrities, including rapper Vivaan Fernandes, radio jockey Malishka, actor Saloni Chopra, with their lips sealed.

Bol ke lab azaad hai! Join @VivianDivine in his journey of celebrating freedom. #Manto trailer releasing on 15th August. #Mantoiyat @Hp #FilmStoc @Viacom18Movies @nanditadas @Nawazuddin_S @RasikaDugal @TahirRajBhasin @gurdasmaan @jatishvarma @SameerDixxit @MagicIfFilms pic.twitter.com/N80YNbr2EB

— Manto Film (@mantofilm) August 13, 2018

Bol ke lab azaad hai! Join @mymalishka in her journey of celebrating freedom. #Manto trailer releasing on 15th August. #Mantoiyat @Hp #FilmStoc @Viacom18Movies @nanditadas @Nawazuddin_S @RasikaDugal @TahirRajBhasin @gurdasmaan @jatishvarma @SameerDixxit @MagicIfFilms pic.twitter.com/HFlyC4EqAC

— Manto Film (@mantofilm) August 13, 2018

Bol ke lab azaad hai! Join @redheadchopra in her journey of celebrating freedom. #Manto trailer releasing on 15th August. #Mantoiyat @Hp #FilmStoc @Viacom18Movies @nanditadas @Nawazuddin_S @RasikaDugal @TahirRajBhasin @gurdasmaan @jatishvarma @SameerDixxit @MagicIfFilms pic.twitter.com/52pu1OTj4q

— Manto Film (@mantofilm) August 13, 2018

In an interview to IANS, Das said, “Viacom18, one of our main producers and the ones leading the marketing and distribution for the film along with HP studios, decided to launch the trailer digitally. This was completely their idea.”

She further added, “‘Manto’ stood for freedom of expression, both through his writings and the struggles he went through in his life. He challenged all forms of orthodoxy and despite six cases slapped on him, he believed in the power of the written word. That kind of conviction and the courage to follow it through is inspirational.”

The film traces Manto’s years as a writer in Bombay, his move to Pakistan and the impact of India’s Partition on his life and work. The cast includes Rasika Dugal as Manto’s wife, Safia, alongside Rishi Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Paresh Rawal.

‘Manto’ was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Co-produced by HP Studios, Filmstoc, and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the film is set to be released in India later this year.

Also Read: Nandita Das helps you experience the power of Saadat Hasan Manto’s words