Nawazuddin Siddiqui's 'Manto' To Open Singapore South Asian International Film Festival

Nandita Das’ 'Manto' starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui to be showcased at the second edition of Singapore South Asian International Film Festival 2018 (Sg.SAIFF). Siddiqui will be seen in the titular role as Sadat Hassan Manto which follows the most tumultuous years and times in the life of the famed writer. The movie takes you through the two countries he inhabits -India and Pakistan.

This edition of the festival will be held in Singapore, the opening ceremony will kick off on October 5 at Carnival Cinema and culminate on October 14 at Resorts World Sentosa.

The film was also chosen for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2018 and features an impressive ensemble of actors including Rasika Duggal, Rajshri Deshpande, Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. The screening at SGSAIFF 2018 marks the film’s South East Asian premiere and will be attended by Nandita Das.

READ | 'People Cannot Be Punished For Thinking About Crime', Says Swara Bhasker On The Urban Naxal Case

Actor-director Nandita Das while talking about the film said,

“We are delighted to screen 'Manto' as the opening film at SGSAIFF. Manto was very much a South Asian writer. But unlike the Europeans, we South Asians do not own this identity, despite many cultural and social similarities amongst the countries in the region. Therefore, it is important to support such festivals that celebrate cinema from the Subcontinent. Last year, SGSAIFF screened a film I acted in, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai as the opening film, which is yet to be released. I was unfortunately unable to make it. So, I very much look forward to attending it this year.”

Abhayanand Singh, Chairperson of SGSAIFF, whose association with Nandita Das started with 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai' said, “It’s a great honour to open the 2nd edition of SGSAIFF with one of the most important Indian films of this year, MANTO. We are happy that Nandita Das accepted our invitation to come and present the film at the festival.”

The SGSAIFF 2018 lineup represents a diverse mix of feature films, short films and documentaries, which include films from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan.

Follow today’s entertainment news & get the latest telly updates. Check out top bollywood news and also stay updated with telly news from the world of entertainment. Download the app or visit Republic World to watch Live TV & also get the latest entertainment news from India.