A Comparative Analysis Of Biographical Films On Saadat Hasan Manto

Abstract

This paper presents a concise comparative study of the major films based on the life and writings of Saadat Hasan Manto, focusing primarily on Sarmad Khoosat’s Manto (2015) and Nandita Das’s Manto (2018). Through an analysis of narrative structure, representational strategies, and historical framing, the study examines how each film constructs Manto’s persona and interprets his literary ethos. The comparison highlights significant differences in thematic emphasis, cinematic tone, and cultural perspective, despite a shared commitment to portraying Manto’s uncompromising realism. The findings demonstrate how these films contribute to contemporary readings of Manto and underscore the role of cinema in shaping literary memory in South Asia.