Manikarnika The Queen of Jhansi Movie: Review, Box Office Collection, Budget, Story, Trailer, Music of Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande Film

This year's Republic Day is going to be owned by the one and only Kangana Ranaut. She is returning on the big screen as Jhansi ki Rani, Laxmibai, who gave her life in the first Battle of Independence that happened following the uprising of 1857 against the British. The braveheart Queen's life is being immortalised by Kangana in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. What's another speciality about the movie is that it also marks the directorial debut of Kangana, who shares the credits with Telugu film-maker Krish. Kangana Ranaut Remembers Balasaheb Thackeray On His Birth Anniversary Despite Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi-Thackeray Clash! (Watch Video).

Apparently, the makers (and Kangana) were not happy with what Krish has shot for the film, and they went for reshoots for which the director was not available and Kangana, who always harboured directorial ambitions, took over. The reshoots even prompted Sonu Sood, who had an important role in the film to walk out, leading to a huge war of words with Kangana. After Sonu Sood, Swati Semwal Walks Out of Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika; Says Her Roles ‘Was Not Significant Anymore’.

Well, the movie has been shot and Kangana is now all set to regain her Queen of Box Office tag with Manikarnika, whose success could also mean producers will be backing female-led big budget films. Here's everything important you need to know about the movie.

Cast

Kangana Ranaut plays the lead in the film, taking on the role of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. Bengali star Jisshu Sengupta plays her husband, Gangadhar Rao. Television actress Ankita Lokhande is making her Bollywood debut with Manikarnika. The movie also stars Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni, Suresh Oberoi, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Yash Tonk, Kulbishan Kharbanda, Mishti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Nihar Pandya etc in important roles.

Story

The film chronicles the life of Manikarnika, first as a young warrior princess who is married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi, and the marriage giving her the new name, Laxmibai. After the death of her husband, the reigns of the kingdom fell on her. Rani Laxmibai later revolted against the imposing British kingdom, carrying her young child behind her back as she fought her enemies and sacrifice her life for the freedom of her kingdom.

Trailer

ICYMI, here's the trailer of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi -

Budget

Thanks to the reshoots, the budget of Manikarnika has risen upto Rs 125 crore, making this the most expensive female-led film made in Bollywood. To be profitable, the movie has to earn more than Rs 150 crore at the box office.

Music

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy has scored the music of the film, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. Here's the jukebox of the film -

Box Office Prediction

Clashing with Thackeray, Manikarnika's day 1 earning could hit a dent, especially in the Mumbai circuit. However, the movie is expected to do well riding on the nationalism wave. Trade pundits are predicting that Manikarnika might earn Rs 60 crore plus in the opening weekend.

Review

Here's the complete review of the film - Manikarnika Movie Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Dominant Show Gives an Energetic Appeal to This Faltering Historical Drama.

Can Manikarnika be the first Rs 300 crore grosser of 2019, just like last year's Republic Day historical drama, Padmaavat did? We are all waiting and watching!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2019 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).