Rahat Kazmi, best known for his hard-hitting films on
issues that make a difference, is back with his next, Mantostaan, the film that
has begun its global journey with the Cannes World Premiere. The film was
lauded with a standing ovation at Cannes this year and the cast and crew of the
film came together at Naarad Bungalow in Andheri today to celebrate this
appreciation. Seen were Director Rahat Kazmi, Producers Aaditya Pratap Singh
and Tariq Khan, Creative Producer Bhanu Pratap Singh, actor Shoib Nikash Shah,
Co Producer Zeba Sajid, Jitesh Kumar Parida and Mujeeb Ul Hassan.
Mantostaan is based on writer Sadat Haasan Manto’s short
stories that seek their inspiration from the flames of the Indo-Pak partition.
Rahat has through the camera lens,
chronicled the chaos that prevailed, during and after the Partition of
India in 1947, and brought to life on celluloid Manto’s most controversial
works including Khol Do, Thanda Gosht,
besides Aakhri Salute and Assignment in Mantostaan. Actors Raghubir
Yadav, Sonal Sehgal, Shoib Nikash Shah, Tariq Khan, Virendra Saxena, Raina
Bassnet and Rahat Kazmi star in the film in lead roles. The film is produced by
Rahat Kazmi, Tariq Khan and Aaditya Pratap Singh and co-produced by Zeba Sajid.
Associate producer Javid Banday. Creative Producer: Bhanu Pratap Singh.
At Cannes, Mantostaan was lauded by world audiences with
a standing ovation at both screenings. Middle Eastern filmmaker Aya Al Blouchi
is vocal in her appreciation. “Mantostaan was very daring, as compared to Bollywood films. From the rape scenes to the
sex scenes to the culling scenes, it is not what you get to watch in mainstream
Bollywood. What director Rahat Kazmi chose to film was really mindblowing. I
think films should show the reality of society and not hide it. The reality of
the story, the connectivity, the four different characters and how they
connected somehow was very exciting. The other thing is that we did not see
over the top sets, over the top acting. I think I could meet these people every
day.”
British actress Canelle Hope admits, she was speechless
after the film. “this haunting feature will stay inside me and the world
forever,” she says. “Mantostaan was one challenging film for director Rahat
Kazmi and the entire cast and crew. One shot that still haunts most is when
Ishar Singh, essayed by young Shoib Nikash Shah, speaks after his throat is
slit. The raspy and raucous voice choked me and I felt myself actually feel his
life slide softly and slowly draining out of him.“
Spanish actress Meritxell Ortega Balancici says words
cannot express her feelings as she walks out of the theatre. “I need my silence
now,” she says simply. “You should watch the film.”
Avers French TV and Video Producer Maria Kinga Zielinska,
“I was very very emotional, and crying at the end of the film. It was so
touching. And it has been a long time since a film has evoked such response
from me. The women were also so well-portrayed. I simply loved Mantostaan.”
French film critic Alex Deleon says, “It is beautifully
filmed and tells a significant story. The fresh cast and the fresh tackling of
the subject made a huge difference.”
Renowned choreographer Sandeep Soparkar expresses, “What
an amazing film... No wonder it is getting rave reviews from international
press.. Super work by Rahat, Sonal Sehgal, Shoaib Nikash Shah, Tariq Khan,
Raina Bassnet… each artiste is class apart.”French actor Jaques Roybin smiles,
“this was one premiere where Sandeep Soparkar and I did not mind fighting for
the premiere passes!”
Opines Anuj Radia, film critic, Desi Blitz, UK,
“Mantostaan is a gripping tale of survival. It is one of the finest independent
South Asian films of hyperlink cinema. From the power-packed performances to
the excellent direction, the film touched me.”
Adds UK-based radio producer Mob Hassan, “Mantostaan is
gripping from start to end. I am glad, someone is finally making a film on
Manto’s timeless works.”
With phenomenal media response and rave reviews,
Mantostaan has successfully managed to earn its rightful place in hearts of global
audiences. Says Rahat Kazmi, “The Indo-Pak partition has resulted in the
largest mass migration in human history. We felt that global audiences will
identify with the impact of the pain of the riots which resulted in this
retributive genocide between religions.”
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