MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI-Too jingoistic to the core, Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut fails to impress. A damp squib of a first half, a clumsy warry second half -this movie despite having the explosive content of a blockbuster falls flat on the ground. The casting of Jisshu Sengupta as the Maharaja of Jhansi is not appropriate- he looks old and jaded. Kangana Ranaut exudes spunk and charisma but this movie becomes a vanity vehicle for her. Frame after frame Kangana fumes and spews venom against her detractors and the way she remains unscathed is unbelievable. The acquisition of Gwalior Fort where the Maharaja simply leaves on being asked is downright silly. The sword-yielding men of Jhansi fight back against the gun-toting British amidst shouts of “Har Har Mahadev” and ultimately succumb to defeat after Rani Laxmibai’s death. Danny Denzongpa plays an important role as Ghouse Khan and is fit as a fiddle. Atul Kulkarni is one of the recognizable faces. The screenplay is such that maximum footage is given to Rani Laxmibai and her war scenes which come as an overdose and further weigh down the movie. Kangana Ranaut rides the horse like a dream and is nimble with the sword and the shield. Her slight frame and fast as lightning movements do justice to the portrayal of the warrior queen. With some brilliant editing and a better background score and music, this movie could have been a more promising fare. The war scenes are gory and this movie is not suitable for children.
AninditaRoyMusings 