Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is the first big-budget film of the year to release in theatres. The movie stars Kangana Ranaut, who also shared direction credits with Krish, in the lead role playing the titular character. The movie also goes along with the spirit of patriotism as it releases on Republic Day weekend. The excitement for the film was quite high. The movie entered the second day of its run today, and the first-day box office numbers are out. And it seems like the movie has managed to strike a chord with the moviegoers. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi managed to earn Rs 8.75 crore at the box office on day 1. Manikarnika Music Review: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy Deliver a Triumphant Score for Kangana Ranaut’s Historical War Drama.

The numbers are pretty cool. With Republic Day falling today, the movie is set bound to earn more bucks at the box office, owing to its content. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi has managed to become Kangana's second highest opener by beating Tanu Weds  Manu Returns, which had Day 1 figures of Rs 8.61 crore at the box office. Manikarnika falls behind only Krrish, in which Kangana had a supporting role.

As for the critics, the movie has received a mixed response. LatestLY's in-house film critic, Sreeju Sudhakaran, wrote in his review of the film, "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi deserves to be praised for retelling an important chapter in history. Kangana Ranaut's performance will be a treat for her fans. Manikarnika would have attained greater heights, though, if there has been a tighter rein over the writing, the editing, the length and used the supporting cast in an effective way,"

Manikarnika also stars Suresh Oberois, Zeeshan Ayyub, Ankita Lokhande and many other prominent actors in key roles. The movie was directed by Krish originally, but extensive reshoots and his unavailability during the same led Kangana to take the command.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2019 01:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).