Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s ‘Manto’ set for Cannes Film Festival journey

Actress-filmmaker Nandita Das’ much-awaited directorial Manto has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival. The film stars actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The news was announced on the gala’s website on Thursday. ‘Manto’ is the only Indian film in Un Certain Regard category of the gala. The film fest is to be held from May 8 to 19.

An excited Nandita 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

Nawazuddin wrote: “‘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’.”(Also Check: Case update: Relief for Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the CDR case against wife. Details Inside)

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.

Netflix has boycotted the festival to protest films produced by streaming platforms from being banned from the competition section.