Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is a biographical account of how Rani Laxmibai waged a war against the East India Company. Manikarnika starts with Amitabh Bachchan’s booming baritone where he throws light on how the riches of India are fast being plundered by the British. Within seconds, we are led into the world of Manikarnika through Kangana Ranaut’s imposing screen presence. Kangana captivates your attention in every frame and grows from strength to strength as the film progresses. This is clearly one of her best performances. Kangana effortlessly brings Manikarnika to life. The narrative of the film directed by Kangana Ranaut and Krish, stays on course showing the internal struggle within Jhansi’s royal family and unraveling important historical events during the 1800s. Some incidents like the Meerut Sepoy mutiny of 1857 are used as reference points, but the focus remains on Jhansi’s rebellion against the British. Film succeeds in stoking the patriotic passion within the audience without being too overbearing. The second half is where the real drama unfolds with scenes on the battlefield, intense action sequences, bloody killings, escape, loss and triumph. There aren’t much dull moments in this rousing war drama. Overall, Manikarnika is a well-made film that highlights Kangana’s prowess as an actor. Short of an epic, this larger-than-life war drama has enough valour and spirit to keep you engaged in these pages of history.
(4/5)*
Worth a watch..!!
