Nandita Das eyes mid-2018 release for Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Manto

Nandita Das is currently in the process of editing Manto.

Filmmaker Nandita Das’ much-talked-about biopic of Indo-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role, is looking at arriving in theaters next year.

For the longest time, it was speculated that Manto will release this December but Nandita is currently in the process of editing.

When Nandita Das arrived for the opening ceremony of Jio MAMi 19th Mumbai Film Festival, she was asked about the development on the film and whether she was happy with its progress.

“You are asking a director how happy he or she is with their film, that’s a tricky one but I know it can’t get worse. It can only get better in the post-production. Editing is my favourite part of filmmaking, that’s where you correct all the mistakes that you have made.

“It has been an incredible journey. There has been a lot of Mantoness in people. So, it has been good. Hopefully, it will be in theaters mid next year,” Nandita said.

Manto’s poster, featuring Nawazuddin, was released earlier this year and since then it has piqued interest in the audience for the sheer uncanny resemblance between the actor and Saadat Hasan Manto. Showering praise on Nawaz and female lead Rasika Duggal, Das said she marvels at the dedication both of them have shown for the project, which she holds close to her heart.

“Both (Nawaz and Rasika) are wonderful. They are accomplished actors and also incredible human beings. When you spend so much time with actors, you want to work with good people. I have been very fortunate that both of them totally dedicated themselves to the film.”