“Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” is the story of a fierce woman who fought till her last breath. Everyone knows about Rani Laxmi Bai, her stories are quite famous among Indians. Bravery, intellect, and fierceness, are all words synonymous with Manikarnika and this movie justifies each one of the adjectives used for the great lady.
This epic saga based on the backdrop of the Revolt Of 1857 is directed by Kangana Ranaut and Krish, stars Kangana Ranaut in the lead role; and she is the soul of the movie. Her marvelous dialogue delivery, charged up action scenes, love for her loved ones and hate for her enemies, act as essential spices required to make an amazing cuisine. Don’t be shocked if Kangana gets another national award in her kitty. I must say if perfection had a face, it would be Kangana Ranaut, if power had a face, it would be Kangana Ranaut, if valor had a face, it would be Kangana Ranaut.
Apart from Kangana Ranaut, Jisshu Sen Gupta and Ankita Lokhande did justice to their roles. Lokhande’s dialogue “tadap tadap” and her dance are fabulous, and I have never seen such a great debut of an outsider in Bollywood in the recent times. Other supporting actors including Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Danny, Mishti, Unaati and Vaibhav have supported the film in the best way possible. According to me, the movie could have been edited well. Some scenes were lengthy but who wouldn’t want to watch the queen for 10 more minutes! I can watch her for my whole life, Kangana was looking that beautiful.
Gripping screenplay written by KV Vijayendra Prasad doesn’t allow you to blink your eyes even for a second. Clap worthy dialogues written by Prasoon Joshi add more stars to the film. “Laxmi vidhva hui hai, meri Jhansi Abhi suhagan hai,” fills the theater with cheers. Songs and rich background music make scenes more enchanting. “Bharat ye rehna chahiye” will rule in celebrations of patriotic events. Manikarnika has every ingredient of a successful film. This movie is the antar aatma of every proud Indian and is above records.
The movie has garnered great reviews and the audience is loving it. In the cinema hall I went to, everyone was sitting even after the last scene – people were that shocked and moved by the movie. In short, this movie is a must watch and Kangana brings back to life the legendary Rani Laxmi Bai, and she will live in our hearts forever, now with the face of Kangana Ranaut.