Zee Studios has finally released the teaser of the much controversial trailer and anticipated period-drama Manikarnika — The Queen of Jhansi, starring none other than the ‘Queen of Controversies’ Kangana Ranaut!
Manikarnika has been wrapped in controversy ever since it was announced. First, its director Krish Jagarlamudi abandoned the project midway, and Kangana had to step into his shoes, then actor Sonu Sood, who was playing Maratha Army commander-in-chief Sadhashivrao Bhau in the film quit the project, saying he could not work under an incompetent director. Kangana who’s not one to keep quiet blamed him instead and said that it was because Sonu refused to work under a woman director. After which, the film’s producer, Zee Studios’ business head Sujay Kutty, was sacked for agreeing to hike the film’s budget from Rs 60 crore to Rs 125 crore. The latest fall back was when actor Swati Semwal, who was to play Sadhashivrao’s wife Parvati in the film, also quit the project, saying her role in the epic drama was no longer as important as it was when she came on board!
But now seems like the tides have subsided, as the film is finally ready for release. Kangana plays the titular role of the fierce warrior and queen Rani Lakshmibai, a queen who is determined to win the independence of her kingdom. Kangana looks promising in the role of a queen. A role that she has never done before.
From the glimpses of the film in the teaser, it looks like a lot of money has been spent as the film looks grand and it almost looks similar to the Sanjay Leela Bhansali kind of historical dramas, especially the grand palaces, the period costumes, and the war sequences. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, the film has Amitabh Bachchan’s voice narrates the story.
Manikarnika is written by KV Vijayendra Prasad and also stars Ankita Lokhande, Zeeshan Ayyub and Jisshu Sengupta in key roles. The film is expected to hit theatres on 25 January 2019.
