Based on the real life of writer Saadat Manto, this Nandita Das directed film titled 'Manto' is set for a world premiere at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the shoes of the veteran writer, the film is a period drama that covers the journey of Manto Saadat Hasan Manto a writer, playwright and author born in British India.

Nawaz took this moment of gratitude to thank Nandita Das and the team with a tweet that read,"And it is possible that Saadat Hasan dies, but MANTO remains alive”.Glad to inform that ‘MANTO’ is selected for competition at #Cannes2018 in #UnCertainRegard  section. Congratulations @nanditadas and Team #Manto.''

Though Manto's release date is yet not announced, the film will enjoy its official selection at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Talking about the film, Das said,"It's not a cradle-to-grave biopic but a drama celebrating the life and work of a writer who was a natural rebel, a man who went against the tide without being a conscious activist. The film will cover a period of seven years between 1946 and 1952, which was an important phase in the history of the subcontinent."

The 71st edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to be held from May 8 to 19 May 2018.