Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar hopes Indian filmmaker Nandita Das’ Manto (2018) is released in Pakistan as he feels the new generation will get a chance to know about the Urdu writer Saadat Haasan Manto on a deeper level.
Das is disappointed after learning that Manto did not get clearance for release in Pakistan.
Overwhelmed by the efforts of the concerned citizens of Pakistan to lift the ban on Manto. Pakistanis defending a film from India shows that we are united in our pursuit of peace, justice and… https://t.co/EnFPMgkGFW
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) December 17, 2018
However, Pakistan’s information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry has extended help, while an online petition by writers and artistes has urged prime minister Imran Khan to lift a ban on its screening.
On his part, Zafar, who has worked in Indian films too, tweeted in support of the movie.
“Saw Manto on Netflix in Pakistan. Thoroughly impressed by the nuanced direction by Nandita Das and brilliant depiction by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. This generation must get know Manto on a deeper level and own its literary heritage and heroes. I hope it releases here,” Zafar wrote.
The movie follows the most tumultuous years in the life of the writer and those of India and Pakistan where Manto inhabited and chronicled. The film also features Rasika Dugal and Rajshri Deshpande.
“There should be a Manto festival where both these films are screened with its makers and actors with orators to read his writings. Art, literature and it’s landmark heroes should be celebrated every year.” https://t.co/Vzy4P9QHzj
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) December 17, 2018