Pakistani or Indian 'Manto'? Sarmad Khoosat requests fair treatment for both

Film-maker agreed with Nandita Das' comments on both the films

Indian film-maker Nandita Das' Manto seems to have become the talk of the town in Pakistan. A few days ago, the director shared that she was unhappy that the film was not cleared for release in Pakistan but was grateful for all the fans who showed their support. While the film is now available on Netflix for the worldwide audience, Das clarified that she does not wish for the Indian Manto to be pitted against the Pakistani Manto, which was directed by Sarmad Khoosat.

In a Facebook post, Das wrote, "The last thing we want to do to Saadat Hassan Manto and his legacy is to make it India versus Pakistan, or Indian Manto versus Pakistani Manto, or Sarmad Khoosat versus Nawazuddin Siddiqui."

PHOTO: HELLO MY STAR

She feels that there should be more Mantos. The film-maker added, "I am very happy that two films, featuring different times in Manto's life, have come to us. I am sure, so is Sarmad. We both have had the pleasure of sharing our respective perspectives and experiences of making Manto, both in Delhi and Lahore, in 2015 and 2016, before I even shot my film. So let’s not trivialise the conversation. Manto can be by all and for all."

PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

Khoosat agreed with Das' thought and sent his love to her and Siddiqui. He wrote, "Unfortunately, I’ll have to watch it on Netflix and I must admit I am equally nervous and excited. Sarhad say azaad hai yeh pyaar (This love transcends borders). Manto Zindabad."

Twitterati remained divided on the matter of Das' Manto releasing in Pakistan. However, to clarify, Khoosat explained, "I must reiterate that my Manto got a lot of acceptance and appreciation in India. We travelled with the film from Delhi to Mumbai to Kolkata to Goa and Jaipur."

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He continued that his film did not get a commercial release despite Zee Studios having bought the rights to distribute it. But Khoosat shared that it was more of a political mess that affected much more than films between the two countries.

The 39-year-old actor also tweeted, "Indian audiences and film fraternity gave the film and us a lot of love. If I may brag, at the Jaipur Film Festival, Manto won the Best Actor Award too. Other than some truly phenomenal films, Piku was there too - and we all know what stalwarts it had. Manto should be owned by all of us."

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Khoosat then criticised a local media organisation for ignoring Pakistan's Manto. He said that his film should also be on digital platforms but feels that "perhaps the industry bigwigs felt it wasn't worthy of their attention". He continued, "I had kept my mouth rather shut about it earlier but I have been very embarrassed in front of innumerable fans who keep asking why my Manto wasn't available online."

The film-maker requests for a parallel movement to have the Pakistani Manto release online too.

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