Manikarnika was the original name of the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai. She was a significant and inspirational figure in the 1857 Indian revolt; the first major uprising of the Indian independence struggle. A major motion film based on her life stars Kangana Ranaut in the titular role. The teaser trailer release has caught everyone's attention for some good reasons; some not so good.
We get a glimpse into a movie that is going to be all about pomp and circumstance and some fairly overblown drama. This is clearly is a movie meant to thrill, entertain and to cater to our jingoistic feelings. Amitabh Bachchan's deep baritone speaking about oppressive rulers and brave heroes that militate against them; Ranaut’s histrionics seem to indicate as much.
If Kangana's snarling face, flashing eyes and blood stained teeth are anything to go by, the film doesn’t appear to make much space for subtlety. From what little we see in the teaser, the filmmakers don’t seem to have concerned themselves overmuch with irrelevancies such as authenticity or realism or historical accuracy.
The teaser trailer has garnered a lot of appreciation for Ranaut’s intense performance and the fact that this is a rare Bollywood film whose fate rests on the shoulders of only a female protagonist.
While many were “blown away” many thought that it was all rather too much: the blood, the flashing swords, the ripped Union Jack, the snarling.
Bollywood loves long bloody fights. Those interminable fights with teeth knocked out and blood spurting everywhere! One can easily have a short nap while they're battling it out and not miss anything!
Many of the tweeple found parallels between getting dental treatment and Ranaut’s bloodied teeth with her face twisted up in a painful looking grimace.
The old controversy about the relationship between Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan was bound to surface… and it did! So, this is what Ranaut fans said.
Obviously, if Kangana has staunch fans, so does Hrithik. So while Kangana’s fans delighted in making Hrithik jokes, Hrithik's fans had this to say in response.
I am evidently not the only one who thought of Sanjay Leela Bhansali films when they viewed the Manikarnika teaser. The grand sets, the stunning visual effects, the sweeping battle sense, the gorgeous costumes are all evocative of a typically dramatic and aesthetically resplendent Bhansali film.
Why is it that Indian directors seem unable to create a historically accurate film; an actual biopic that is faithful to the times and the ethos it is set in? Why must we have over the top costumes, gorgeous interiors, heavily made up faces, tons of ornate jewellery and perfectly coifed hair? Must audiences have to suspend disbelief each time in favour of filmmakers creating entertaining and commercially viable cinema?
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
