First look of film based on Ismat Chughtai's 'Lihaaf' released at Cannes

Press Trust of India  |  Cannes 

The first poster of award-winning Rahat Kazmi's film, based on Chughtai's most celebrated and most controversial work 'Lihaaf', was released at the ongoing

Set in Lucknow, the story revolves around lonely Begum Jaan, who turns to her seeking comfort and companionship.

Begum Jaan's young niece is the narrator of the story, who is devastated when she learns about the nature of their relationship.

The poster shows feet of two women - one wearing a pair of heavily-embellished anklets, the other with a thinner set - entangled on a dark red velvet quilt.

Chughtai courted controversy for the story, which touches upon the themes of homosexuality.

The and her friend-contemporary Saadat were accused of obscenity for their stories -- "Lihaaf" and "Boo" respectively.

They went on to defend themselves in the and were absolved of the charges later.

The film has been produced by Kazmi, Tariq Khan, Zeba Sajid, Namita Lal, Umesh Shukla, and It is co-produced by winning producer

The announcement comes close on the heels of the premiere of Nandita Das' biopic on Manto at the festival.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Wed, May 16 2018. 18:35 IST