Actor and film-maker Nandita Das, who is gearing up for her next directorial venture ‘Manto’, has said she was not trying to put Sadat Hassan Manto, the author and playwright, on a pedestal. She also believes that the audience from this side of the border will be able to relate to it just as easily. Speaking at the teaser launch of the film along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rasika Dugal and Tahir Raj Bhasin, Nandita said Manto was not a message-driven film. “The idea is to tell a story for audience. We are not putting ‘Manto’ on a pedestal,” said Nandita. “He was somebody who used to speak the truth despite all challenges he faced. For youth, it is extremely inspirational to see someone like him. I think it’s a film where the audience will be able to take home something and everyone will relate with his personality.” “People across the world are fearful of all the unsettling developments around them. That is why Manto’s writings are as relevant today as they were back in his time” When asked how Nawazuddin has been able to play the character of Manto in the film, she said, “He has similar kind of personality in terms of views, anger, arrogance, sensitivity and humour. I think it was smooth ride for Nawazuddin to play this character. He used to tell me that he would not be able to do another film simultaneously because he had immersed himself so deep into the character of Manto.” Nandita, on being asked, whether audience would be able to accept this across the border, she said, “It’s a story of a human being who happens to be a writer. There is no relation of borders between two countries. It’s a very universal story.” “I don’t think audience from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will not be able to relate with it, it’s very relatable story. I think everyone will relate with this film on different levels. “We are not offending anybody,” she said. The film opened to packed house at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. “Manto is set in the 1940s and 1950s, but it is about what is happening (on the subcontinent) today,” the director said. “Cannes is like home, and it is great to have my second film premiere here,” she said. The director further added, “My films are rooted in a milieu but I do not seek to explain everything. If you are true to the emotions you are dealing with, a film connects instantly with the audience.” “People across the world are fearful of all the unsettling developments around them. That is why Manto’s writings are as relevant today as they were back in his time,” Nandita said. “Initially, the script spanned a ten-year period from 1942 to 1952. In the film, that has eventually been whittled down to four years,” she said, throwing light on the six-year process from conception to completion. “I do films as a means to an end. It is better to get your point across through the means of a film rather than engage with trolls on social media and in the real world,” she said. The film stars Nawazuddin in the titular character along with Rasika and Tahir in lead roles. Manto has been selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Published in Daily Times, May 15th 2018.