Manikarnika Review: A Courageous And Riveting Tale Depicting The Bravery Of The Queen Of Jhansi With A Larger Than Life Grandeur And Some Fiery Performances, Kangana Strikes Gold Again!

The film commences with the commanding narration of Amitabh Bachchan where he states how the Britishers looted and plundered the wealth and the rich heritage of India. The film does not waste time to quickly draw our attention to the fiery Rani Laxmibai dominated by Kangana Ranaut's striking screen presence. It is Kangana Ranaut's passionate and courageous act as Manikarnika that keeps you intensely gripped as the action unfolds. Kangana has surely struck gold again by delivering one of the best performances of her illustrious career in the film. From the fiesty young Manu, to the loyal queen of Jhansi, to a loving wife and a doting mother and finally to the brave and rebellious freedom fighter, Kangana effortlessly delves into the various emotions of the legendary queen giving utmost justice to the character. We however wish the rest of the cast could have created a strong impact as her in this period drama. But they manage to put in a humble effort with Danny Denzongpa who plays Ghaus Khan or Kulbhushan Kharbanda portraying their characters with full intensity. Debutante Ankita Lokhande makes an impressive debut as the Rani's close confidante Jhalkari Bai with the ferociousness needed for her character whereas Jissu Sengupta as Gangadhar Rao performed his brief act whole heartedly. But it was actors like Atul Kulkarni, Zeeshan Ayyub and Mishti who deserved more screen presence in accordance with their calibre. All the British officials too did not look that convincing except for Richard Keep who played Sir Hugh Rose with full conviction and intensity. The direction by Krish and Kangana Ranaut looks well researched and intricately weaves the inner politics of the royal court of Jhansi as well as the ongoing Sepoy Mutiny. The various rebellion movements are thrown glance at but the Queen's fight against the Britishers remain in the prime focus. However the visual effects could have been more realistic. The film has a majestic appeal and grandeur but had the scope to have some finer edges. 

The dialogues penned by Prasoon Joshi are compelling and thought evoking. The right emotions and patriotism manage to resonate with the audience. However the first half was a little dragged with setting the tone of the film. But its the second half from where the main action starts with the gruesome and hard hitting battle sequences and the bravery of the Rani and her subjects of Jhansi. The length of the film too could have been a little more constricted. 

There are certain fictionalised elements and dramatization to avoid the monotony of a typical period drama. Overall the film manages to be an efficient visual spectacle. The music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy especially the track Vijay Bhava adds the patriotic vibe. 

This truly goes down as another powerful Kangana Ranaut film. As a debutante director too, she successfully managed to weave this epic tale of freedom into celluloid. Watch this one for the intense act of Kangana Ranaut but most importantly for reliving the courage, bravery and sacrifice of the Queen of Jhansi.