Nawazuddin Siddiqui Plays ‘Manto’ With a Rare Honesty and Ease

Nawazuddin Siddiqui transforms into the iconic poet and author ‘Manto’ with great intensity and a natural ease.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui transforms into Manto with intensity and ease. (Photo courtesy: YouTube/filmpost in)

By the very first glimpse of Nawazuddin Siddiqui in and as Manto, one can tell that the actor has literally transformed into his character. No wonder director Nandita Das picked him for the titular role. Nawaz nails the part with his natural look and impactful performance.

The actor shared a short film titled In Defence of Freedom, via Twitter, where he talks about freedom of expression in Manto’s avatar. The monologue is extremely relevant in today’s day and age, and brings out the Manto in him effortlessly.

Before Nawaz essays 10 years from Saadat Hasan Manto’s life for Nandita Das’ feature, this video is meant to serve as a prelude, and was showcased at the recently held India Today Conclave 2017.

In the short film, Nawaz is seen talking to a small audience in a classroom. He is passionately talking about freedom of expression and a society living in denial. He’s restrained and simply brilliant.

In his white kurta and big glasses, Nawaz is full of sarcasm and brutal honesty, an exact embodiment of the iconic poet and author Manto himself.