Jan. 25, 2019|India|148 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Action;Bollywood;Drama;History
Description: “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” is a 2019 film that tells the inspiring story of Rani Lakshmibai, the brave queen of Jhansi. Born in 1828 in Varanasi, Manikarnika, later known as Manu, was raised in Bithoor by her father, Moropant, and Peshwa Bajirao II. Her fearless nature was evident when she killed a tiger, an act that impressed Jhansi’s minister, Dixit-Ji. He proposed her marriage to Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi.
After their marriage, the Maharaja’s relative, Sadashiv Rao, conspired with the British to seize power. Despite the birth of their son, Damodar Rao, tragedy struck when the child passed away. To secure the throne’s future, the Maharaja adopted Anand Rao, a courtier’s son, renaming him Damodar Rao. This decision angered Sadashiv, who was subsequently banished from Jhansi.
Following the Maharaja’s death, the British attempted to annex Jhansi using the Doctrine of Lapse, as there was no male heir. Lakshmibai, however, refused to surrender. She took on the responsibility of leading Jhansi, defying societal expectations of widowhood. When the British forced her to leave the palace, she was welcomed by the villagers, led by Jhalkari Bai, a fierce supporter.
Undeterred, Lakshmibai strategized to reclaim her throne, embodying resilience and courage in her fight against colonial rule. The film captures her legacy as a symbol of resistance and determination.
Cast director: Kangana Ranaut
Cast actor: Kangana Ranaut, Danny Denzongpa, Suresh Oberoi, Atul Kulkarni, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Jisshu Sengupta, Zeeshan Ayub, Ankita Lokhande, Unnati Davara, Richard Keep
Original name: iमणिकर्णिका