Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi finally managed to hit the screens on January 25, after facing a lot of obstacles. The film’s original director Krish (Jagarlamudi Radhakrishna) decided to leave the project midway due to creative differences with the film’s lead and prior commitments. This lead to Kangana Ranaut taking charge and completing the remaining of the film.In a recent interview, the director reacted to Kangana’s claims of directing most of the film. He said, “Its Bullsh*t” The director also added that he came to know about the actress directing the film only after Sonu Sood’s exit. He further said, “But for me I was there for 400 days and film was finished, that's where I got really hurt. And everywhere media persons ask me why did you leave. What is she talking about? We started the film, shot the film, now it’s hurting me actually.”Kangana Ranaut’s sister, Rangoli, hit back at the director’s comments with a tweet that read, “DirKrish chalo man liya you directed the whole film now please calm down, still Kangana is the leading face of the film let her enjoy this moment of her success and great appreciation, please leave her alone, we all believe you now please take a seat.”Manikarnika is about Rani Laxmibai’s war against the British East India Company, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Directed by Krish and Kangana Ranaut, written by KV Vijayendra Prasad, the film also stars Ankita Lokhande, Danny Dengzongpa, Atul Kulkarni and Suresh Oberoi among others.<doc-sep>The release of Kangana Ranaut 's long-awaited 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi ' has been bittersweet. While the film has tasted success at the box-office, it has not been without its fair share of controversies. Especially with the co-director of the film, Krish accusing Kangana of taking up all the credit. Not just that, actors like Sonu Sood and Mishti Chakravarty have spoken against the actress. Writer Apurva Asrani, who had differences of his own with Kangana in 2017, had also lent his support to Krish.Now, Kangana has finally broken her silence and has opened up about the whole issue and controversy. She came back from Geneva today and while walking towards her car at the airport, spoke to a media portal. She was asked about the accusations levelled against her by Krish, writer Apurva Asrani, actors Sonu Sood and Mishti Chakravarty. To this, Kangana slammed all four of them and said that it is wrong of Krish to attack her like this. If he is right, Kangana asked him to go ahead and prove it. She said that talking to the media won’t help him. To all those people who are saying that their roles have been cut or she has edited a scene, Kangana said that whatever place she has achieved in the industry, whether as an actor or 3 times National award winner or filmmaker, she has got it herself and her father hasn’t given it to her. Kangana suggested that they get this position on their own and crying won’t help anyone.She further added that she has taken all the final decisions. If Krish left the film in her hands, then it was her prerogative as a director to take the final calls. Kangana asked those taking shots at her should take inspiration from her as they won’t get anything by feeling jealous or by attacking her. She also spoke at length about her hard work and expressed that she started with only a 5-minute sequence and then slowly grew in the film industry. She added in the end and laughed that she would suggest Krish to take Sonu Sood, Mishti Chakravarty and Apurva Asrani and make a film to teach her a lesson.<doc-sep>Kangana reigns in this epic war drama Manikarnika Story: Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is a biographical account of how Rani Laxmibai waged a war against the East India Company. It chronicles her journey from the place where she grew up, Bithoor to becoming the Rani of Jhansi, and eventually turning into a warrior Queen. Manikarnika Review: Manikarnika starts with Amitabh Bachchan’s booming baritone where he throws light on how the riches of India are fast being plundered by the British. Within seconds, we are led into the world of Manikarnika through Kangana Ranaut’s imposing screen presence. Kangana captivates your attention in every frame and grows from strength to strength as the film progresses. This is clearly one of her best performances and the role itself lends ample scope for her to perform. From the tender, beautiful moments of a young girl, to the heavy-duty action scenes from the battlefield soaked in blood and sweat – Kangana effortlessly brings Manikarnika to life. The casualties, in turn, are the rest of the actors, who don’t get a chance to shine just as well. Be it veterans like Danny Denzongpa (as Ghaus Khan, also a prominent figure in history) and Kulbhushan Kharbanda or the debutantes like Ankita Lokhande, who plays the role of Jhalkaribai. All supporting actors including Atul Kulkarni, who plays Tatya Tope and Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta have precious little to do. Needless to say, most of the British characters come off as caricatures, except actor Richard Keep, who plays Sir Hugh Rose. The narrative of the film directed by Kangana Ranaut and Krish, stays on course showing the internal struggle within Jhansi’s royal family and unraveling important historical events during the 1800s. Some incidents like the Meerut Sepoy mutiny of 1857 are used as reference points, but the focus remains on Jhansi’s rebellion against the British. The film employs a lot of visual effects and most are easily noticeable, which hampers the film’s realism. The scale on which the film is mounted gives it an air of grandeur, however, it lacks the required opulence and finesse. While there is enough chest thumping jingoism throughout, dialogues by Prasoon Joshi are quite impactful and applause-worthy. They succeed in stoking the patriotic passion within the audience without being too overbearing. The first half is spent in setting up the historical premise, which takes way too long. The second half is where the real drama unfolds with scenes on the battlefield, intense action sequences, bloody killings, escape, loss and triumph. Despite all the moments that draw you into this epic drama, the length of the film slackens the narrative in parts. The film admittedly uses many cinematic liberties and fictional detours to ensure there aren’t any dull moments in this rousing war drama. There is a strong thread of entertainment that binds it all together. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy add to the patriotic fervour of the movie. Overall, Manikarnika is a well-made film that highlights Kangana’s prowess as an actor. For a first time filmmaker, she undoubtedly shows spark and potential as a storyteller. Short of an epic, this larger-than-life war drama has enough valour and spirit to keep you engaged in these pages of history.<doc-sep>Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi has crossed Rs 50 crore within five days of its release. Kangana Ranaut celebrated the success with sister Rangoli and her friends. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi might be at the heart of a controversy, but it still continues to set the ticket windows on fire. Lead actress Kangana Ranaut celebrated its success with sister Rangoli at home. Rangoli shared the video and Kangana can be seen having a blast with her sister and friends. Rangoli captioned the video, "Celebrating the great response!" In the video, Kangana is wearing a stunning blue and silver saree, along with a light-green coloured blouse. She also wore matching jhumkas, which complimented her ethnic look. Celebrating the great response !! #Manikarnika Thank you @nehaaimage for the lovely flowers & cake pic.twitter.com/jlPcx0FxP2 Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) February 1, 2019 Recently, Manikarnika director Krish expressed his displeasure at Kangana's claims that she had directed 70% of the film. He also said that she "was very rude on sets" as well. In an interview with a news agency, the director had said that he is doubtful if anyone would work with Kangana after the Manikarnika row. He said, "I am curious to know who will work with Kangana after the kind of reputation she has acquired for undermining the director and taking over a project." When Kangana, who recently came back from the Switzerland holiday, was asked about the accusations made by the Krish, she said that she had directed the film and nobody can do anything about it. According to a report on an entertainment website, the actress said, "It is wrong of Krish to attack me like that. If he is right, then he can go ahead and prove it. Talking to the media, won’t help him. Manikarnika is out and fortunately or unfortunately, I have directed the film. The film is out there and nothing can be done about it." Manikarnika is doing well at the box office as the film has crossed Rs 50 crore in just five days of its release. MOVIE REVIEW | MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI<doc-sep>
Kangana Ranaut has broken her silence on the comments made against her by multiple people involved in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Kangana was asked about the statements made by director Krish, writer Apurva Asrani and actors Sonu Sood and Mishti Chakraborty, and she said, “I would suggest Krish to take Sonu Sood, Mishti Chakraborty and Apurva Asrani and make a film to teach me a lesson.” Krish has alleged that Manikarnika was snatched from his hands by Kangana, who took over directing duties after he had submitted his cut of the film. He has disputed Kangana’s claims that she has directed 70% of the final film. Asrani, who says he had experienced a similar situation on their film Simran, has tweeted about Kangana being a repeat offender. Mishti and Sonu Sood have voiced their disapproval for how their character were cut in the film. Sonu had left the project midway and was replaced by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. Kangana told a reporter as she was exiting the Mumbai airport on Friday, “It is wrong of Krish to attack me like that. If he is right, then he can go ahead and prove it. Talking to the media won’t help him. Manikarnika is out and fortunately or unfortunately, I have directed the film. The film is out there and nothing can be done about it. To all those people who are saying that my role has been cut or I have edited a scene, I would like to say that whatever place I have achieved, whether as an actor or 3 times National award winner or filmmaker, I have got it myself and my father hasn’t given it to me. Get this position on your own and by crying, it won’t help anyone.” She added, “I have taken all the final decisions. If Krish left the film in my hands, then it is my prerogative as a director to take the final calls. And to all those who are struggling in life, they should take inspiration from me. They won’t get anything by feeling jealous or by attacking me.” Kangana had been away on vacation in Switzerland following the film’s release, during which time her sister, Rangoli Chandel, had spoken on her behalf and attacked Krish on social media. The film’s producer, Kamal Jain, recently took Kangana’s side in the feud, asserting that the decision to demote Krish was made by him and the studio. Manikarnika has received positive reviews, although some have criticised the manner in which the supporting characters have been portrayed. The film has made more than Rs 60 crore at the box office. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10