Manikarnika Movie Review

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Jisshu Sengupta, Zeeshan Ayyub, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Directors: Kangana Ranaut and Krish
Genre: Historical Drama
Duration: 2 hrs 28 mins

Average combined rating of all critics: 3/5
Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated release Manikarnika has finally hit the theatrical screens today on January 25. The film showcases the life of the Rani Laxmibai from widow to a warrior and it is directed by Krish and Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut as the fierce Rani Laxmibai, one of the leading character of Indian Rebellion of 1857. Actress Kangana Ranaut looks fearsome with sword in her hand and fits into the character of Rani Laxmibai. Ankita Lokhande also shares screen as Jhalkaribai with Kangana while Atul Kulkarni portrays the role of Tatya Tope.

The plot of the movie revolves aroun the life and times of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. The movie tells tha saga of implementation of Doctrine of Lapse which gave Britishes the excuse to annex several Indian states including Jhansi. Manikarnika alias Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi takes the forfront and opposes malafide designs of the Britishers to annex her state. This gives excuse to East India company who under General Hugh Rose attacks Jhansi. The story is all about the culimination of circumatsnaces that led to war and annexation of Jhasi. Through the movie the directors have tried to reveal the Indian prespective of the legedry queen who sacrificed her life defending her motherland and people. Lets find out the ratings Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi got from leading media houses.

The Times of India: 3.5/5
Manikarnika is a well-made film that highlights Kangana’s prowess as an actor. For a first time filmmaker, she undoubtedly shows spark and potential as a storyteller. Short of an epic, this larger-than-life war drama has enough valour and spirit to keep you engaged in these pages of history. Read More

India Today: 3/5
Kangana as the actor shines all through the first half of Manikarnika. She brings her feminist views into the story, which is one of the better points about the film. However, she seems to get complacent and settles into a comfortable and altogether predictable pattern. Read More

Hindustan Times : 3/5
The overall impact is admittedly Amar Chitra Katha, and the storytelling is structured like a children’s film albeit one with a fair bit of blood which may not be a bad move, considering how quickly viewers get used to the simplistic syntax. Read More

NDTV: 1/5
The film does devote sufficient footage to the birth and death of her only child as well as to the premature death of her husband, but the titular figure's single-note demeanour allows for no depth in the characterization of a woman who broke every conceivable societal norm of her times. Read More

Mumbai Mirror: 3/5
Ranaut cuts an impressive queen here. Her ability to internalise her character’s mind and manner is evident in every frame. Often, she conveys more with her eyes than with dialogue (which often misses the spot). Managing the leaps like a ninja and slaying it like a samurai, she’s the desi Wonder Woman we deserve. Read More (INDIAONLINE)

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