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Manto

“Manto” is a brief biographical short film, based on life, works and thoughts of Saadat Hasan Manto, one of the finest Urdu short-story writers of 20th century. He was known to write about open truths of the society. A critical sketch written by Qamar Adeeb and Directed by Timsal Qamar.
Manto opens with the title song 'Khud ko Manto kahta hai wo' then Manto reveals how he beholds this world. The short film highlights Manto’s ego. When Ghalib haunts him he says, “Ghalib and I often drink together.” Ghalib hits his ego by putting him down (in absentia). The conversation shows his rivalry with Mirza Ghalib an Urdu poet of Mughal era. The film turns towards a scene of his domestic life and shows his sense of humour when Ismat Chughtai knocks at the door he says, “I’m playing cricket” while he was sweeping the floor. The film also focuses the bad habits of Manto like smoking, drinking and sitting on a chair with his feet raised through out the song. The fabrication encapsulates his contemporary critics’ views and his reply ‘I prefer my hell on other’s paradise.’ At last the film mirrors his vision and internal conflicts. Eventually he declares ‘I’m not a pornographer. I’m the history of my time. ‘ The short film ends on his gravestone.

  • Timsal Qamar
    Editor & Director
  • Qamar Adeeb
    Writer
  • Imroz Qamar
    Producer
  • Surya Saxena
    Producer
  • Imran Khan
    Key Cast
    "Manto"
  • Midhat Khan
    Key Cast
    "Mirza Ghalib"
  • Parveen Qamar
    Executive Producer
  • K. Zama
    Production Manager
  • Naushad Ali Rahat
    Music Director & Singer
  • Syed Kudrat Ali
    Cinematographer
  • Zartab Qamar
    Cinematographer
  • Achkan
    Costume
  • Samuel Paul
    Song Arranger
  • Rajesh Rathod
    Sound Recordist
  • Ajay Shukla
    Mixing Mastering
  • Timsal Films
    Production Company
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    منٹو
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 9, 2020
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography

Timsal Qamar belongs to a literary family of Uttar Pradesh, India. He was born in Hardoi and brought up in Lucknow. After getting master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University he did diploma in Mass Communication from IGNOU. He is involved with filming and spends time in making short films and documentaries. With a cinematic approach and creative outlook towards filmmaking he has the real sense to capture the visual images of all levels of life from street to elite class. He wants to delve and cultivate new culture of cinema and popularise Urdu language through his films.

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Director Statement

Manto’s creativity and madness enchants me to depict his psyche and intelligence through cinema.