On Monday, Pakistan observed a nationwide protest against a ban on the Indian film ‘Manto’ directed by Nandita Das. This protest was carried by journalists, activists, and writers in Pakistan. ‘Manto’ is based on the life of famous Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto.
The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, in the title character of Indo-Pakistani, author, and writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The Filmmaker, Nandita Das is very hopeful that the movie will see the light of the day in their country. She expressed her gratitude through a series of tweets.
“Beyond Borders, the fight for freedom of expression is the same. Thanks to all those in Pakistan who are working to free ‘Manto’. Thanks to everyone who has taken to the streets to protest against the ban on ‘Manto’ in Pakistan. I am there with you in spirit, and so is the entire ‘Manto’ team,” Nandita Tweeted.
“Amazing to see people out on the streets to protest. Salima Hashmi, artist and daughter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and others! Respect and gratitude,” she added.
A key consultant for ‘Manto’, Saeed Ahmed who is also a journalist and playwriter, had started a petition on change.org, urging Pakistan’s government to allow the film’s release. In collaboration with Manto Memorial Society, peaceful protests were held in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Multan. Nandita had on January 11 expressed her gratitude to Ahmed.
In December 2018, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry led by Fawad Chaudhry extended their helping hand to Nandita Das.
Via Twitter Chaudhry said, “I am trying to pursue importers to bring this movie to Pakistan. I hope someone will definitely take risk of showing a less commercial film to the viewers.”
Danyal Gilani, who is the Chairman of Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), had reportedly said that ‘Manto’ wasn’t cleared by the Board as the members found it in violation of the censorship code.