'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' MOVIE REVIEW: Kangana Ranaut's brilliant performance saves the poorly narrated period drama!

The first half introduces us to her titular character Manikarnika but has been narrated in a poor manner. The film looks melodramatic than a period drama in many scenes and that's a huge let down on makers part.

Film: "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" Directors: Kangana Ranaut and Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi Star Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Atul Kulkarni, Danny Denzonpa, Suresh Oberoi, Jishu Sengupta, Vikram Kochhar, Prajakta Mali, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, Kulbushan Kharbanda Rating: 2.5 Stars This Friday Kangana Ranaut brings the story of legendary Rani Laxmibai, the warrior queen of Jhansi, who gallantly battled against the British with her infant son tied to her back during the Indian revolution. With a tale spanning from 1828 to 1858, the film, "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" gives you an insight about her life and times. It tells us how Manikarnika marries Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi and is renamed Laxmibai in honour of the goddess Lakshmi and according to the traditions. The first half introduces us to her titular character Manikarnika but has been narrated in a poor manner. The film looks melodramatic than a period drama in many scenes and that's a huge let down on makers part. However Kangana does justice to the role by bringing to life the legendary war hero with her grit and fierce act. The actress looks convincing in the film as her character progresses from being a young warrior to a King's wife, a mother and a people's queen to finally a martyr. Actress Kangana Ranaut who has also helmed this film along with Krish, plays the role of fearless queen with all sincerity but the poor narration makes it a soulless film. There is something innately false in the story telling; the writing and direction. The scenes are slow paced with over dramatic gestures. The visuals with low angle shots, focus more on the grandeur of the palaces and poise of the actors and thus the film fails to hook you emotionally. Visually the film is a treat but again the most of the supporting cast especially those playing British men look caricatures. Prasoon Joshi's dialogues too fails to impress and looks forced. Supporting Kangana in the movie are; Kulbushan Karbanda as the chief advisor of Jhansi, Jishu Sengupta as Maharajah Gangadhar Rao, Atul Kulkarni as Manikarna's ally Tatya Tope, Suresh Oberoi as Peshwa Baji Rao II, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub as Raja Gangadhar Rao's cousin Sadashiv, Ankita Lokhande and Prajakta Mali as Jhalkari Bai and Kashi Bai citizens of Jhansi. On the acting front, every actor appears sincere, but none stand out for their performance. You will barely remember anyone after coming out from the theatre. War scenes in the movie too are poorly depicted but then its again Kangana who lifts the movie with her poise as a fierce queen and makes it worth a watch. Overall, this film is awe inspiring due to its grandeur but fails to touch the emotional chord in your heart.