Nandita Das: Films like Manto transcend boundaries

Abhishek Bachchan in Manmarziyaan

It's a twin win for India as two of its ventures are set to be screened in Toronto at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). A day after Anurag Kashyap's Manmarziyaan and Manto -­ helmed by Nandita Das - were selected for the Canadian fest, the latter tells mid-day why the honour is a crucial one.

"The TIFF attracts an engaged and enthusiastic audience," says the director, whose film has travelled to Cannes and Sydney.

Manto director Das with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in character on the set

"I am looking forward to seeing how this audience responds to the film after we've taken it to other places. Films like Manto [based on the life of controversial Urdu poet Saadat Hasan Manto] transcend boundaries. After all, emotions are universal. While Manto's context is local, his story should resonate with any audience. There have been Mantos in every era and in different parts of the world."

Having arrived at the festival on multiple occasions - even presenting her first film, Fire, in 1996, there - Das admits turning up as director for the second time is special. "The world premiere of [my directorial venture] Firaaq was held there in 2008. I can't believe it has been 10 years."

Aanand L Rai

Manmarziyaan co-producer Aanand L Rai's film is set to mark its world premiere at the festival's Special Presentation Section on September 21. "It is a proud moment for the entire team. This is our second collaboration with Anurag Kashyap. It's an honour that the film will premiere at the TIFF. We are looking forward to sharing this special film with the world," he says.

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