Beware Indian Movie directors, who love to showcase history through the reel! Anything even close to a biopic or a biographical attempt can get you and your actors into trouble. Right from the days of Aandhi back in 1975 to the recent riot surrounding Padmaavat, (finally released in January 2018), a whole bunch of movies has been forced to go through the censor board’s strict sieve, and the resultant movie that is released often lacks the actual essence of it. After the Padmaavat unrest, is it now time for the Kangana starrer, Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, to go through the same drama altogether? Let us take a wider look.

What is Manikarnika all about?

Image Credit: Movie – Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, an epic biographical movie attempts to chronicle the life and times of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, a very prominent freedom fighter. Kangana Ranaut stars in the lead as Jhansi ki Rani. It traces her numerous heroic endeavors against the British Raj and East India Company during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. It also features Jisshu Sengupta, Atul Kulkarni and Sonu Sood. This historical period drama is directed by Krish (Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi), a national award winner for his Telegu movie named Kanche.

Whats the conflict all about?

Image Credit: Movies – Padmaavat, Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

Manikarnika is in the news recently, for drawing hostility from Rajasthan on very similar grounds as Padmaavat. Although directors and producers have confirmed it’s not a biopic, it has already stirred massive resistance initiated by Sarva Brahman Mahasabh accusing the director of “distortion of facts”. They have also claimed opposition to a love affair between the Rani and a British man. Suresh Mishra, the President of SBM says, “We learnt about it from our friends and acquaintances in various parts of Rajasthan where some scenes of the film are being shot. The film is based on a foreigner’s book and tries to dampen the queen’s reputation.” He has also reportedly filed an appeal to the State Government requesting sheer abstaining from the distortion of historical facts. He has also sent letters enquiring into the movie to Kamal Jain, its producer.

Making a period drama in Indian movies can be very challenging. Although everyone has the freedom of speech and action no freedom is absolute. Not especially if it addresses an entire community or a hierarchized system. But then again, movie making is an art. And there should be some room for improvisation in any kind of art.

Read Also: 2018 Is An Interesting Year For Kangana Ranaut Here’s Why

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