Manikarnika - An unmissable spectacle



A lone woman leads a fight against archaic thoughts and customs, as well as a mighty force with the best weapons at their disposal. Rani Laxmibai’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle is a lot more than the valour she displayed on the battlefield in the 1857 revolt against the East India Company. She mobilised ordinary people in her kingdom and instilled in them values of self-respect and belief while motivating them to fight for Independence. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi narrates this extraordinary tale of a feisty woman with actor Kangana Ranaut playing the lead.

The film starts by showing the queen’s journey from a young girl with sword-fighting and horse-riding skills to an assertive woman who knows what she wants. It establishes the traits that separate her from the rest even as her tender side quickly gives way to maturity at a young age. The transformation is seamless. Ranaut looks gorgeous in every frame even though some songs appear unnecessary. Nevertheless the first half gradually builds up to what promises to be a riveting conflict, with not only the East India Company, but also some of her own, who plan to conquer the fort of Jhansi and dethrone her. Ranaut is superb in scenes like the one when her child is taken away from her and where she defies what’s expected of women post widowhood. At interval, one remains immersed in the film and there’s tremendous anticipation of the queen’s battle with the enemy camp.

The tempo picks up thereafter with the focus on strategy, and largely on action. It’s a racy affair with a captivating display of bravado. The action scenes are worth a watch and Ranaut executes them to perfection. It’s testimony to the time and energy she has invested in her character prior to shooting the film. She deserves as much credit for pulling them off as a male superstar gets for doing ordinary stunts. Manikarnika gets only better as it nears the end. It’s a tale that ought to have been told long ago and comes alive on the big screen, thanks to an outstanding performance by Ranaut. She is loving, loveable, fierce, ferocious and an unstoppable force over the course of the 2.30-hour film. There’s intent and determination written all over her face and in her body language. It’s a role that demands a lot and she does not falter even once. One must laud her for her brave choice, both as an actor and co-director. 

The music is soothing, with ‘Vijayi Bhava’ and ‘Bharat’ sure to stir up emotions for the motherland. The direction by Krish and Ranaut is admirable though there was scope to keep the script tighter. Among the others, Danny Denzongpa is good and Ankita Lokhande promising despite having short roles. The supporting cast does not have much to do with Ranaut dominating the screen for most of the time. But she brings life to an inspiring story. This is Ranaut’s moment of glory. And hers alone!

Manikarnika is a masterpiece simply for its scale and grandeur. It could have turned into a lavish affair with hype but without substance. Instead, it’s a movie that’s high on emotions and passion. It gives you more than your money’s worth and makes it a spectacle that should not be missed. If not for anything, watch it for Ranaut. The movie belongs to her and her exceptional craft.

- Kunal Purandare 

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