(Image source from: dnaindia.com)

The trailer of the much-awaited film Manto starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui is all set to release on August 15, on the occasion of Independence Day.

Helmed by noted actress-filmmaker Nandita Das, the film traces the life of writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

The movie follows the most riotous years in the life of iconoclastic writer Manto and those of the countries - India and Pakistan, where he inhabited and chronicled.

"Viacom18, one of our main producers and the ones leading the marketing and distribution for the film along with HP studios, decided to launch the trailer digitally. This was completely their idea," Nandita told IANS.

While talking about Manto, Nandita told the agency, "Manto stood for freedom of expression, both through his writings and the struggles he went through in his life. He challenged all forms of orthodoxy and despite six cases slapped on him, he believed in the power of the written word. That kind of conviction and the courage to follow it through is inspirational."

When asked what she thinks about the status of freedom of expression in India, the Firaaq actress said, "I am an optimist. So, I believe that writers and artists will continue to express their truth through their work. We, as readers and audiences, need to support such people for our own sake, for a robust and mature society."

Manto is co-produced by HP Studios, Filmstoc, and Viacom18 Motion Pictures and will see Nawazuddin bringing Manto's character to life.

The film also stars Rasika Dugal as Manto's wife, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Rishi Kapoor and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles.

-Sowmya