Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s ‘Thackeray’ or Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ – Which Film Are You Rooting for on January 25?
So which film are you rooting for on January 25?
It's the season of 'nationalist' movies. Two weeks back, we had two films, accused of political propaganda, coming out on January 11, Uri - The Surgical Strike and The Accidental Prime Minister. And both worked at the box office. Uri, starring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam, went on to become the first Rs 100 crore hit of 2019, while Anupam Kher's The Accidental Prime Minister may not have become a huge hit, but earned itself the tag of being profitable. Anupam Kher is in Awe of Vicky Kaushal's Uri: The Surgical Strike And We Truly Like his Spirit.
This week, we are having two similar movies clashing in at the box office. On January 25, we have Kangana Ranaut's Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi clashing with Nawazuddin Thackeray's Thackeray. Both are risky ventures and have the potential to change Indian cinema if they taste success. Manikarnika's success could make Bollywood producers more confident in investing female-led big budget movies. Thackeray's success could spell more political biopics that deify their muse. Let's look at each of these films individually and determine which of the movies will emerge the winner!
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Kangana Ranaut turns director with this biopic on Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, who led the revolt against the British in the 1857 uprising and gave up her life on the battlefield. Kangana, also playing the lead, shares directorial reins with Telugu film-maker Krish (who was ousted over creative differences after nearly completing the shoot). Manikarnika also stars Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Suresh Oberoi and Mishti. The movie is made on a grand scale and is expected to ride on the newly formed wave of nationalism. Considering the stupendous business Padmaavat made last year released on this date, Manikarnika is speculated to follow the same route. Also, Kangana has managed to rile up the Karni Sena, though the agitations are not even on the same scale as they did last year against the Deepika Padukone film. Kangana Ranaut Threatens To Destroy Karni Sena if They Continue to Oppose Manikarnika: Queen of Jhansi.
Thackeray
In a strange twist of irony, the UP-born Muslim actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is all set to be seen on the big screen as the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. Normally, we are against putting an actor's state or religious identity anywhere. But in the case of Thackeray, it is interesting, since Shiv Sena is known for being up in arms with their policies and actions against both the criteria that Nawaz belongs to. The movie depicts the rise of Bal Thackeray with his fiery speeches in the '70s to his alleged involvement in the 1993 Bombay Riots. Amrita Rao plays his wife, Meenatai, and the film, releasing in Marathi and Hindi, is directed by Abhijit Panse. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has both produced and written the film, so expect Thackeray to hail its subject in every sense. Thackeray Song Aaya Re Thackeray Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is A Perfect Homage to Balasaheb Thackeray- Watch Video.
[Poll ID="602380" title="Which Film Are Your Rooting For On January 25?"]
So which film are you rooting for on January 25? Vote for your favourite film in the poll above and also do share why you think your movie will emerge a winner at the box office, in the comments section below.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2019 01:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).