Manto-A Fascinating Story About A Fascinating Writer

Seldom comes a fascinating story about a fascinating writer. Nandita Das's Manto becomes more fascinating through its narrative style of parallels between Manto and his works. A heady concoction of post-independence violence, literature, and trials create the landscape of Saadat Hasan Manto's biography. This powerful storytelling is second to the Nawazuddin Siddiqui's immaculate portrayal of the man himself!. The story traces the author's life through the tumultuous years of 1946 and onwards. The movie begins with Manto mingling with the who's who of Indian film industry and literary world.

The plot seamlessly shifts into the riots of pre-independence years. Manto finds his identity becoming a substitute for his religious identity. The bloody recreation of the horrors of 1947 sends chills down the spine. The beautiful interweaving of Manto's short stories provides and enforces the emotional fuel for Manto's decision to leave Bombay. They also ease his downfall into the grips of alcohol addiction and recession into the world of his stories from the real world.  Although, some portions of the story feels hurried, for the most part, the film is eloquent and hit the nail on the head. Das's movie is an attempt at unveiling the psyche of her lead. Manto is a man who is flawed and too talented for his own good.

However, what she achieves is a tale of the major controversial events of his life. The audience cannot help but feel the ambiguity of the plot, especially those who are unfamiliar with the author's fiery body of work. The technical team adds to the charm of the movie in their areas. Rita Ghosh's recreation of 1947 Bombay and Lahore is exquisite and reminds us that society has not changed so much after all. The background score by Zakir Hussain and Kartik Vijay's camerawork reinforce the performances of the brilliant cast.  Nawazuddin Siddiqui internalizes Manto from his crumpled kurta and thick-rimmed glasses to the bitterness and defeat of a man at odds with his creativity and society's standards.

He is perfect in his depiction of defiance, self-destructive loneliness, and frustration in the face of poverty and obscenity charges. Siddiqui masters Manto's dry banter and sharp wit in scenes of conversations with Rajshri Deshpande's Ismat Chugtai and Tahir Raj Bhasin's Shyam Chanda. Both Deshpande and Basin excel in their individual roles. However, Siddiqui's acting prowess gets strong competition from Rasika Dugals's portrayal of Manto's wife. She shines in her clich'd role of a wife longing for her husband's return home. She is brilliant in her sighs and the flicker of her eyes. Overall, Manto is a movie that is an attempt worthy of applause.

Even if it might seem that the movie aims to cover more than it possibly can, the audience surely goes back home curious about Sadaat Hasan Manto's. If you are already aware of Manto's works, this movie is must watch for you. If you are yet to be introduced to this literary genius, you will leave a fan.