Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Atul Kulkarni,Jisshu Sengupta, Danny Dengzongpa,Vaibhav Tatwavadi, Richard Keep
Directed by: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
” A strong woman stands her ground even in the storm.”
-Anonymous
India’s journey to freedom, a long and determined journey of seventy-nine years since its independence, began well before the mid-20th century. While the British finally left in 1947, the fight for freedom started much earlier, fueled by growing anger and discontent against the British East India Company. The Company arrived as a seemingly friendly guest but soon showed its true intentions. It wasn’t just there to trade; it was there to take over, draining India of its great wealth and power. This oppressive rule, with its unfair taxes and the destruction of local businesses, ignited a fire of defiance across the entire country. This mounting anger eventually led to a series of rebellions, the biggest and most important being the Revolt of 1857, which is often called India’s First War of Independence.
This week, we explore a movie which sheds light on one such historical figure. An extraordinary woman who trained herself in fencing, shooting and horsemanship. This was at a time when others of her age were content with learning domestic arts. From the outset, destiny seemed to have marked her for something far beyond the confines of a royal court. She was not just a princess; she was a warrior in waiting. Who was she?Dive deeper to unlock the details.
Storyline: Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi(2019) attempts to capture the indomitable spirit of Rani Lakshmibai . It narrates the extraordinary tale of Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, who led one of the most significant rebellions against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The film chronicles her transformation from a spirited young woman to a formidable warrior queen who refused to surrender her kingdom under the British Doctrine of Lapse. Like many historical biopics, “Manikarnika” takes certain liberties with historical facts for dramatic effect. While the core events and Lakshmibai’s heroic stand against the British are accurately portrayed, some romantic subplots and character relationships are fictionalized to enhance the emotional quotient.
The film highlights lesser-known aspects of Lakshmibai’s life, including her progressive views on women’s empowerment and her strategic military acumen. The portrayal of her relationship with her son and her role as a mother adds depth to the character beyond her identity as a warrior.
Scrutiny: Kangana Ranaut, who also co-directed the film with Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors the entire narrative. Her portrayal of Rani Lakshmibai is both fierce and nuanced. It captures the queen’s evolution from a loving mother to a strategic military commander.Her dedication to embodying the character physically and emotionally is evident in every frame, particularly during the intense battle sequences.
The supporting cast provided solid performances that complemented Ranaut’s central role without overshadowing the protagonist’s journey.
The cinematography effectively contrasts intimate family moments with sweeping battlefield sequences, creating a visual narrative that supports the emotional arc of the story. The production design deserves a special mention as it recreates 19th-century Jhansi with meticulous attention to detail. From the intricate palace interiors to the period-accurate costumes, every visual element contributes to the film’s authentic period feel.
The film’s action sequences are among its strongest elements. The sword-fighting scenes are well-executed, avoiding the over-the-top theatrics that often plague period action films.
However, some action sequences suffer from inconsistent pacing and could have benefited from tighter editing. The film’s 148-minute runtime occasionally feels excessive, particularly during certain battle scenes that could have been more concisely presented.
The Sentiment: “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” succeeds in its primary mission of bringing one of India’s greatest heroes to the big screen with dignity and respect. While it may not be a perfect film, it serves as an important cinematic document that introduces younger generations to the courage and sacrifice of Rani Lakshmibai.
Kangana Ranaut’s passionate portrayal and the film’s technical excellence make it worth watching, especially for those interested in Indian history and stories of resistance. The film stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian women and serves as a reminder of the price paid for our freedom.
This is especially important in an era where strong female leadership is more crucial than ever. Rani Lakshmibai’s refusal to bow down to injustice, her strategic thinking, and her ability to inspire others makes her a timeless icon of resistance and empowerment.
“Manikarnika” reminds us that heroism isn’t just about physical courage—it’s about standing up for principles, protecting those who depend on you, and never surrendering to tyranny, regardless of the odds.
Rating: *** and 1/2 stars
Quote-Unquote: “Yeh sar na darr se jhukta hai … na abhimaan se uthta hai … bas aankhon mein aankhen daal swabhimaan se ada rehta hai”
Did this review help you decide whether to watch Manikarnika?
If you enjoyed this in-depth analysis and found it valuable, I’d love to help you create similar engaging content for your brand, blog, or business. As a professional content writer, I specialize in:
✍️ Movie Reviews & Entertainment Content 📚 Historical & Educational Articles 🎯 SEO-Optimized Blog Posts 📱 Social Media Content 🎬 Script Writing & Creative Content 💼 Brand Storytelling & Marketing Copy
Ready to elevate your content game? Connect with me here.
🔄 Share This Article
Found this review insightful? Help others discover great cinema!
Share on Social Media:
- 📘 Share on Facebook
- 🐦 Tweet this review
- 📸 Post on Instagram Stories
- 💼 Share on LinkedIn
- 📱 Send via WhatsApp
Your shares help independent content creators like me reach more movie lovers and history enthusiasts. Thank you for your support!
Have you watched Manikarnika? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss what other historical figures deserve the cinematic treatment!
The Expression Hub 
Leave a comment