Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi - 2019

Introduction 

In the vast stretch of the Indian subcontinent, a name emerges that resonates with unwavering courage, unshakeable spirit, duty, and sacrifice. Welcome to the awe-inspiring journey of Manikarnika - the woman who first fought the British in the Indian War of Independence. This film tells the story of Rani Laximibai, the Queen of Jhansi aka Manikarnika. 

Manikarnika is a sweeping cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of an era and pays homage to the unwavering spirit of patriotism, led by the phenomenal actress Kangana Ranaut, who not only plays the title character but also makes her directorial debut. This masterpiece promises a thrilling cinematic experience that spans time and space thanks to a strong ensemble cast, stunning cinematography, and an engaging story. 

The film was directed by Kangana Ranaut and Krish Jagarlamudi. Produced by Zee Studios, the film was released on 3700 screens in 50 countries worldwide on 25th January 2019.

Manikarnika is more than just a movie. It’s a celebration of the legacy that those who struggled for freedom have left behind. A testimony to the unbreakable spirit of human resilience. Explore the untold tale of a true warrior queen whose name endures through the ages - Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, the personification of bravery, valor, and undying devotion as you set off on this epic voyage as history comes to life.

Table of Content

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Casting

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Songs

• Box Office Collection

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

Details 

Plot 

Play

The plot centers on Rani Lakshmibai, who was born Manikarnika Tambe in a Varanasi Brahmin family. She became the queen of Jhansi after getting married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the reigning monarch of Jhansi.

From her early years in Jhansi to her transition into a fearless and powerful fighter, Rani Lakshmibai's journey is portrayed in the movie. It demonstrates her tenacity, willpower, and love for her kingdom. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Rani Lakshmibai actively participates in the struggle against British rule and emerges as a crucial leader.

As the plot thickens, hostilities between the Indian rulers and the British East India Company get worse, sparking the uprising. As head of Jhansi's defense, Rani Lakshmibai commands her army in a number of engagements with British troops. As word of her bravery and valor spreads across the nation, she inspires the people of Jhansi and other areas.

The movie stresses Rani Lakshmibai's battles, sacrifices, and difficulties in securing the independence of her country. Additionally, it looks into her personal life, including her marriage to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and her relationship with her adopted son, Damodar Rao.

Release

The film was released on 25th January 2019 and was distributed by Zee Studios. In its theatrical run, the film performed moderately in India and Internationally. The film made a record for the highest opening weekend collections for a female-driven film in the country. 

Reviews

The film is rated a total of 6.4/10 stars on IMDB based on reviews from sixteen thousand IMDB users. 

Times of India’s Ronak Kotecha rates it 3.5/5 stars. He finds Manikarnika as an excellent movie overall that showcases Kangana's acting talent. She definitely demonstrates potential and sparks as a storyteller for a first-time director. This larger-than-life combat drama, while not an epic, has enough bravery and energy to keep you interested in the historical accounts.

Casting 

• Kangana Ranaut as Manikarnika

• Jissu Sengupta as Gangadhar Rao

• Danny Denzongpa as Ghulam Ghaus Khan

• Suresh Oberoi as Peshwa of Bithoor

• Atul Kulkarni as Tatya Tope

• Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Dixit Ji

• Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkari

Crew

• Director - Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi

• Screenplay - V.Vijayendra Prasad

• Story by - V.Vijayendra Prasad

• Producer - Zee Studios, Kamal Jain

• Music - Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Sanchit, and Ankit Balhara

• Cinematography - Kiran Deohans, Gnana Shekar V.S.

• Editing - Rameshwar S. Bhagat

• Casting - Suraj Jagtap

Character Analysis

• Kangana Ranaut as Manikarnika

Manikarnika is the epitome of unmatched bravery and fearlessness. She exhibits a brave personality and a readiness to question social norms right from a young age. Her fortitude in the face of difficulty motivates those around her and establishes her as an icon of Indian resistance to British cruelty.

She also possesses a powerful will and an unyielding determination to defend her realm and its populace. Defying the expectations placed on her as a queen and challenges the customs that limit women's responsibilities in order to resist the pressures of the moment.

Her undying patriotism serves as a rallying cry for her people, instilling a sense of national pride and unity.

The aptitude of Manikarnika as a warrior is unparalleled. She goes through extensive training and masters a variety of combat techniques. By marching into the battle courageously with tactical brilliance she’s indeed an unmatched commander-in-chief! 

• Jissu Sengupta as Gangadhar Rao

The portrayal of Gangadhar Rao as a loving husband who supports and cares for his wife is heartwarming.

The film shows Gangadhar Rao's health deteriorating as he develops a serious illness. He chooses to adopt Damodar Rao as his son to ensure the succession to the throne out of concern for Jhansi's future and the welfare of its populace.

Despite having only a small amount of screen time in the movie, Gangadhar Rao's presence and the affection he has for Rani Lakshmibai have a big impact on her journey, and her will to fight for Jhansi's freedom.

• Atul Kulkarni as Tatya Tope

Tatya Tope, played by actor Atul Kulkarni, is portrayed in the film as a valiant and clever military commander who fought alongside Rani Laxmibai against the British army. The calm and yet determined personality of Tatya Tope defines him as a spearhead of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 in the film. 

He is shown as the queen's chief counselor and a pivotal player in the fight for independence.

• Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkari Bai

Jhalkari Bai is played by Ankita Lokhande. She is the most trusted confidant of Manikarnika (Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi). Strength, courage, and loyalty are the main attributes of Jhalkari. Rani Laxmibai is a symbol of a truly empowered woman and so is Jhalkari. She disguises herself as the queen on several occasions to fool the British armed army and safeguard Rani Laxmi Bai. In the movie, Jhalkari Bai's bravery and tactical prowess play a key role in the fight against the British army. 

 Songs

Behind the scenes

Kangana Ranaut riding a mechanical horse in one of the battle scenes. 

 Controversy 

• The historical epic's original director, Krish, has accused Kangana Ranaut of taking over the directing duties after he was let go.

• In a recent interview, Kangana said that the Movie Mafia was spreading negative rumors about her and the movie because they were envious of the movie's popularity. 

• In an interaction Kangana Ranaut addressed the media about a squabble going on between her and a Rajput group named Shri Karni Sena. Apparently, they wanted to alter a couple of scenes from the movie that according to them deemed unsuitable for a Rajput queen to act like. To this, Kangana made a statement that further poked the bear in the wrong way. The statement, 'I am a Rajput and I will destroy them.' This further enraged the Rajput outfit who demanded an apology from the actress. 

Box Office Collection

Awards

Interesting facts

• After sustaining a serious injury during a fight scene with Nihar Pandya, Kangana Ranaut was admitted to the ICCU department at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad, where she got 15 stitches.

• Sonu Sood walked out of the film due to his busy schedule. Also, there are rumors of him and Kangana having a fallout. 

Manikarnika is a MUST-WATCH film for every Indian. There’s not a single dull moment in this war-drama film due to its action-packed nature with a pinch of patriotism. 

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