The film based on the life of writer Saadat Manto is heading to Cannes Film Festival this year. It will be competing in the Un Certain Regard category along with 20 other films.
Das penned a touching note on Facebook upon hearing the exciting news. She wrote, "Having been on the jury twice, and an audience at Cannes many a time, I have to say, it is truly a haven for film lovers. I look forward to seeing how the audience there reacts to this film that I have lived with for almost 7 years. For me, this film and everything else that I do, will always remain a means to trigger conversations, a small step towards 'the world we want to see'."
Director Nandita Das posted on Twitter, “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”
In the film, Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the titular role of Manto. To showcase a small glimpse of Siddiqui playing the character, Das had directed the short film, In Defence of Freedom. The short film was set in Manto’s classroom and conveys his philosophy of fearlessness and the ability and courage to be truthful according to The Indian Express.