'The idea was to not give any morality lessons.'
Sejal Shah's flatly-narrated timeline would probably serve better as a documentary, observes Sukanya Verma.
If Manto, the film, falls short of being a masterpiece it's because Nandita Das could not quite crack the Manto code: She couldn't quite see the wholeness of her subject with the same eyes that Manto saw his people. This imperfection in the film, in a way, becomes the greatest tribute to Manto, feels Sreehari Nair.
Sreehari Nair introduces you to three promising movies coming up.
Nandita Das' Manto get its first screening at Cannes.
'Manto is the only writer to grasp what the project of Pakistan would eventually mean,' says Aakar Patel, who has translated a collection of Saadat Hasan Manto's essays in a just-released book Why I Write.
Based on the life of prolific Indo-Pakistani author and playwright Saadat Hasan Manto, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the title role.
Check out what's happening in Cannes!
On Saadat Hasan Manto's 100th birth anniversary, writer-lyricist-ad filmmaker Prasoon Joshi talks about the writer who he first couldn't fathom and was prohibited from reading and yet went on to become one of his favourites.
Nandita Das on why she wants to make Manto so badly.
'When he played his inner light shone so bright! His joy embraced us all... we experienced divinity.'
Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor -- a legend who was India's very own and yet belonged to the world. Hussain died from 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis', a lung disease, in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was 73.
'You're going to have your own journey and that can be very beautiful.' 'It can also be very terrifying because there is no precedence.'
'I was one of those children who didn't feel I had to adhere to instructions on how to behave.' 'That must have made things very awkward for my parents.'
'Everyone's favourite show Mirzapur is returning with a third season in which I am reprising my role as Beena Tripathi.'
Ustad Rashid Khan has left an enduring legacy with his soul-stirring notes, his melodious voice echoing through time and leaving an indelible imprint on the rich heritage of Hindustani music.
'Every actor's journey is unique.' 'It's beautiful but also terrifying because you have to carve your own path.' 'So if there's somebody to talk it through, it's nice.'
Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.
'This man could hypnotise you with his voice, his words have so much depth.'
Now the India Pavilion at Cannes would have to make do without Akshay, while Madhavan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui would happily hog the limelight.
Bollywood gets together for a special screening.
'People were apprehensive when I cast Nawaz. Especially after Sacred Games, people told me you are diminishing Manto.' 'But he is an actor and actors don't diminish.'
'Kangana is such a stylo, she knows what will look good on her.'
Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.
'My work hasn't reached many people, and I hope that changes.'
'When you have a gentle character, people tend to define them as meek.' 'Today's brash understanding of strength is very masculine, of somebody who is aggressive.'
Who rocked the sari style best in the British Raj? Sukanya Verma asks you to take a poll.
Kangana-Arjun are praying... Vidya Balan is in London... Ileana's having fun...
Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.
A far cry from his playing-to-the-gallery comedian, Kapil Sharma emerges as a heartfelt picture of aspiration and annoyance, feels Sukanya Verma.
While the media has been going into overdrive over red carpet appearances at Cannes, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been quietly building a legacy.
The legendary film festival has a strong Indian flavour this year.
'One can do Manto only when you are completely honest with yourself.'
'We don't have that support system.' 'The last six years has gone into making Manto and raising Vihaan and it has been tough.'
'They will talk about secularism, but communalism -- they just won't say there exists such a beast.' 'It's harmful for society to brush it under the carpet.' 'If we talk about secularism, we must talk about communalism.'
'Rishi Kapoor was shocked and said, 'Woh sare log jinko main janta hoon, unki filmein main nahin kar raha. Aapko to main janta bhi nahin hoon.'
'At the premiere we got a 4-minute standing ovation...' ...'Strangers hugged me, sobbing...' ...'Some just sat in their seats still immersed in the experience.' Nandita Das captures the magic of Manto at Cannes.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances