Saadat Hasan Manto- Film Review

This is a film about the author and screenwriter Manto. But it is also a broader statement about the film industry in India around the time of Indian independence (its unifying if commercial nature), and the divisive politics around that time which led to the formation of Pakistan, the migration, and violence that accompanied the shift.

It is directed well (Nandita Das), and acted in brilliantly by Nawazuddin. The author's character comes out as a fearless, modern, well-read and self-indulgent family man, on both sides of the border. The self-indulgence shows up in his choice of themes which are too realistic for the powers that be, and he faces flak from the establishment supported by the moral brigade. He of course, has his loyal friends and readers, but his life goes into a downward spiral, and he yearns for his earlier life in Mumbai where he lived most of his years.

Shyam (the actor who starred with Suraiya in Dillagi if I am not mistaken), Ashok Kumar, Jaddan Bai the singer, Naushad, the music director, are all characters in the film, and so is Ismat Chugtai, the author who stays back in Mumbai. Rasika Duggal, who plays his wife, and Tahir Raj Bhasin, playing Shyam, are exceptionally good. The enacted segments from his stories add a novel touch.

To me, it was a must-watch, and I am not disappointed.

Raman Raghav 2.0

There was a real serial killer by this name, without the 2.0 of course. But this film is about another similar character, fictitious.

The film is quite watchable, if you are OK with serial killing in principle-watching them on film, I mean. I must admit I didn't get the opening murder until pretty late in the film, and that's a compliment to the director. The sets are too dark for comfort (mine) at times, but other than that, no major flaws I could find.

Nawazuddin may have found one of his strong points-playing maniacal characters. This is not a giveaway, the director shows him up for what he is pretty early in the film. The police inspector is good for his role, though less effective than Nawazuddin, because he isn't as good an actor. The female friend of is speaking Telugu with her Mom and Dad was a surprise.

As the genre goes, you expect some goriness, and you get it. But there is some stinging dialogue too, which keeps the movie watchable, and the speed is good, so you don't feel it dragging.

Overall, 3 out of 5.