Manikarnika (मणिकर्णिका)

"Manikarnika (मणिकर्णिका)"

Watched Hindi movie 'Manikarnika (मणिकर्णिका)', directed by Kangana Ranaut & Krish and Produced by Kamal Jain. It stars Kangana Ranaut (Rani of Jhansi), Ankita Lokhande (Jhalkari), Atul Kulkarni (Tatya Tope), Kulbhushan Kharbanda (Dixit) and Gaus Khan (Danny Denzompa). Screenplay is by KVV Prasad & Prasoon Joshi. The movie is about 2.5 hours long. I watched it on 25th, day of release in India, with Jayant & Sameer. 

The story starts from the youth of Manikarnika (Manu) Tambe, het marriage to Maharaj Gangadhar rao of Jhansi. Birth and death of her son,  adopting of a son,  death of her husband. War with British. Abandonment of Jhansi. Take over of Gwalior and final battle. 

Kangana makes entry in an impressive scene and looks very beautiful. And that she does throughout the movie. Her acting is also very good. Was Kangana the best choice for the role considering the personality and warrior physique? Probably not. But Kangana compensated in acting what she lacks in physique. Without taking anything away from Kangana, in my humble opinion, Priyanka was ideal for the role. 

The movie has impressive, rich and grand sets. Producers have spent generously to show the richness of princely state and forts. War scenes, especially those of Kangana, are very good and appear realistic.

Direction is good but not excellent. Some of the scenes could have been better. Since the movie has two directors, it's impossible to know who directed what.

Although the film displays a disclaimer that this film does not claim historical authenticity, writer, directors have ensured that they have stayed true to the overall story. 

In such a movie, it is expected that director takes artistic liberty. So,  here Manu (Being a queen) dances with Jhalkari and other commoners. But what can't be excused is that Jhalkari gives milk to Manu with left hand (whereas she is not a left hander). Directors show Manu iwith her hair down and open, before as well as after marriage. At the sane time, all other ladies tie their hair. Loose hair was against the tradition of the time. Directors need not have let Kangana's hair down to make her look beautiful, that can be achieved even when hair are in a bun. 

In short, although, it could have been better,  I liked it. 

Recommend watching this movie.