Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Manto is going to Cannes Film Festival 2018

Nandita Das' film Manto is making strides even before its release.

The film based on the life of writer Saadat Manto is heading to Cannes Film Festival this year. It will be competing in the Un Certain Regard category along with 20 other films.

Das penned a heartfelt letter on Facebook upon hearing the news. She wrote, "Having been on the jury twice, and an audience at Cannes many a time, I have to say, it is truly a haven for film lovers. I look forward to seeing how the audience there reacts to this film that I have lived with for almost 7 years. For me, this film and everything else that I do, will always remain a means to trigger conversations, a small step towards 'the world we want to see'."

Likewise, Nawazuddin also shared his excitement on Twitter. "And it is possible that Saadat Hasan dies, but MANTO remains alive," Glad to inform that ‘MANTO’ is selected for competition at #Cannes2018 in #UnCertainRegard section.Congratulations @nanditadas and Team #Manto

Manto's release date has not yet been announced, the period drama will see its premiere at the prestigious film festival.

Speaking about the film, Das had earlier said, "It's not a cradle-to-grave biopic but a drama celebrating the life and work of a writer who was a natural rebel, a man who went against the tide without being a conscious activist.

"The film will cover a period of seven years between 1946 and 1952, which was an important phase in the history of the subcontinent."

The 71st annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to be held from 8 to 19 May 2018.