BOMBAY TIMES (September 5, 2018)

For acclaimed filmmaker Nandita Das, making Manto proved to be a challenging yet fulfilling journey. While it took over four years of research and writing to put the script together, Das also reached out to Saadat Hasan Manto’s family, to bring out nuances of his as well as his wife Safia’s characters. Through the making of the film, the filmmaker worked closely with Manto’s family, especially his daughters, Nighat, Nusrat and Nuzhat.

Over the course of numerous meetings and emails and phone conversations, Nandita researched Manto’s personality, his riveting work and the trials and tribulations he faced on his journey to becoming one of the most compelling short-story writers of all times.

Speaking about Manto’s family, Nandita says, “I feel fortunate that I could meet Manto’s three daughters, whom I call Nuzhi apa, Nighi apa and Nuchi apa. It feels strange that I call their parents by name, as they are the lead characters of my film. I have become very close to the family and feel I owe them an authentic portrayal of Manto, the writer, husband, father and friend. They know that Manto would have not liked to hide his warts and blemishes and they also trust my admiration and respect for the man and his writing. They have given me unconditional support and have shared many important insights that I could not have found in any book.”

Manto, produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, HP Studios, FilmStoc, Nandita Das Initiatives and co-produced by Magic If Films & En Compagnie des Lamas, releases on September 21