TheReviewMonk
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi backdrop

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

25 January 2019Hindi2h 28m
ActionDramaHistory
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 22 scored reviews · 5 not rated

Ranaut burns bright, but the film around her favours pageantry over depth.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Kangana Ranaut's commanding performance
  • Criticised: Shallow, platitude-heavy nationalist screenplay

Audience

User score 8.5 out of 10 from 25 ratings, Exceptional
Read 20 audience reviews ↓

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 26 critics are saying

Critical reception for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi was divided, with the majority of reviewers landing in moderate territory. Kangana Ranaut's performance as the warrior queen was the most consistently praised element across reviews, with several critics noting her commanding physical presence and intensity in battle sequences, even those who were otherwise underwhelmed by the film. Common criticisms centered on the screenplay's reliance on platitudes and nationalist sentiment over genuine historical depth, with multiple critics finding the narrative flat, overlong, and lacking the introspective quality the subject deserved. A number of reviewers also noted the film's failure to fully realize its epic ambitions, citing budgetary limitations and a narrow focus that left little room for nuanced storytelling.

How the 22 scores spread

5 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 26 critic reviews · may contain errors

Report inaccuracy

From the papers

Critic reviews (27)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Film Companion

    Film review ·

    At two hours and twenty-eight minutes, Manikarnika is unforgivably long. It's been directed by both Krish Jagarlamudi and Kangana herself. In interviews, Kangana has said that 70 percent of it is her work.  If yes, then she is an effective storyteller but the actor in her undermines the director.  Because the actor becomes larger than the narrative. But despite these flaws, Manikarnika reveals Kangana as an artist with boundless ambition and I'm excited to see what she creates next.

  2. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Kangana Ranaut is glorious, and the film better than Sanjay Leela Bhansali's carnivals. But the budgetary constrains show and the impact is Amar Chitra Katha.

  3. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    That unforgettable line and the image of a female warrior on horseback, a sword raised in one hand, a baby strapped to her back, is, for many, the first thing that comes to mind when one mentions Rani Lakshmibai. As it turns out, this film, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and Kangana herself, doesn't expand your understanding of the iconic warrior queen much more.

  4. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    As promised, Manikarnika does tick all the nationalistic boxes. It is getting a perfectly-timed Republic Day release. And there are plenty of eye-roll moments as it chases the red-faced Brits, and raises the flag. It may have been Jhansi, but it is clearly a prelude to the 'tiranga'. But what keeps us with the film is Rani Ranaut, who in her best moments, owns her part, the narrative, and the screen.

  5. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Manikarnika is agonizingly soulless. Platitudes piled upon synthetic platitudes do not add up to great cinema, especially when none of the film's war cries delivers any bang for its buck. Save yours and give the film a miss unless you like the sound of misfires.

  6. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Manikarnika is a must watch for the glory that Kangana brings to the experience of watching the life and time of one of Indian history's bravest warriors. Don't miss this one.

  7. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Even today, an important chapter in Indian history tomes is dedicated to the Queen of Jhansi. Watch her story unfold in this lavishly-mounted screen spectacle.

  9. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    MANIKARNIKA – THE QUEEN OF JHANSI is a well-made historical with the right scale, emotional quotient and battle sequences as its highpoint. Also, Kangana Ranaut's performance is the icing on the cake. At the box office, the film comes at the right time as the Republic Day period will further add to the film's prospects.

  10. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    Today, in a world growing more cynical by the minute, we need to be reminded of real heroes who lived and died for their beliefs. Manikarnika manages to reintroduce one of the most awe-inspiring figures from India's past. A legend gets reborn, at least on screen, and maybe that's the only reality palatable to us right now...

  11. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Manikarnika, is a brave attempt at resurrecting the legend of a heroic Indian Queen, a feat that it accomplishes.

  12. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    All said and done, Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi is a visual form of our History chapters but a very intriguing and beautiful looking one. No one could have done this better than Kangana Ranaut and she is brutally bloody beautiful! If you're watching this, watch it on a big screen.

  13. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    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.

  14. Zee News

    Film review ·

    Watch it for the intense moments of thrill that it has to offer and for the lead actress, who has also turned a director with this venture. As a first time filmmaker, Kangana has proven her skills and the film stands victorious.

  15. India Glitz

    Film review ·

    Overall, Manikarnika is a good watch for people who love history and have longed to see one of their history book characters come alive.

  16. India Today

    Film review ·

    But despite Kangana's best efforts, Manikarnika fails to bring Rani Laxmibai to life in this exhausting and over-exaggerated drama. So should you watch Manikarnika? Make an informed choice. If you're a Kangana Ranaut fan, Manikarnika is THE film for you. If you remember your history lessons, take Manikarnika with a generous pinch of salt, says our review.

  17. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    We've all read about Rani Lakshmibai in middle-school history. But we remember her best from the Allahabadi poet Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's long poem with the famous descriptor, 'Bundele har bole ki muh, humne suni kahani thi. Khoob ladi mardani, who toh Jhansi wali Rani thi.' A genuine, soul-stirring tribute to her phenomenal heroism can at best hope to come close to Chauhan's immortal lines. Yes, this one does.

  18. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Manikarnika is a blood-splattered odyssey that celebrates the warrior queen who stood her ground and even threatened the British Raj's ambitions in India. Most know of Jhansi ki Rani from the poem that aptly described the fearless queen. This biopic goes beyond heroics to reveal a resolute yet vulnerable figure. And even while the authenticity of all the events detailed here is debatable, it makes for a decent watch.

  19. IndiaTvNews

    Film review ·

    Honestly, you aren't missing out on something big this weekend. This rousing war-drama is definitely a one-time watch. Don't miss it if you are a true Kangana Ranaut fan.

  20. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Manikarnika is a misguided and typical effort bolstered by only a few noteworthy aspects. Still, Kangana Ranaut remains as the Queen.

From our readers

Audience reviews (20)

25 ratings · user score 8.5

  1. lates song 2018Jan 2019
    10/10

    take a bow for kangana..... mind blowing acting fantastic background... full paisa vasool...dont miss it... you feel proud after watch this movie....

    Report
  2. Ŗähůļ ŖäĵJan 2019
    10/10

    मणिकर्णिका वाकई लाज़बाब फ़िल्म है, कंगना के एक्टिंग काफी प्रभावित करने लायक है सही मायने में एक अदभुत फ़िल्म है शानदार, जबरजस्त, जिन्दाबाद

    Report
  3. Gaurav SharmaJan 2019
    10/10

    mst movie h ,salute to zanshi ki maharani laxmibai🙏vande matram

    Report
  4. Abhishek BabuJan 2019
    10/10

    This movie is a must watch, great great acting by kangana ranaut and cast .👍 , you know the film is great when it leaves a lasting impression on you . This film does that

    Report
  5. Ajit kumarJan 2019
    10/10

    Manikarnika is a wonderful tribute to the glorious Rani of Jhansi, full of valour and love for motherland. Rani Lakshmi Hai is forever in the hearts of all Indians and we as Indian feel extremely proud when we hear her name. This movie captures the turbulent but awe inspiring life if the Rani, the difficulties she faced at home and outside, her steadfast devotion to the country and her bravery which has no bounds. She broke boundaries of the socjety and the inhibitions in the hearts of her people. Kangana does a fabulous job portraying her. One does not see Kangana on screen but Lakshmi bai herself. There is a feeling that the film could have offered more but I feel it is because of the unmatchable love and respect for Jhansi ki Rani we have in our hearts. The songs are a delight. There was one unnecessary dance number. But that can be clearing forgotten the second it is over and Kangana takes charge again.

    Report
  6. Ajay lawyerJan 2019
    5/10

    ya movie is good , if some thrills are there, it will be joyful.

    Report

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

You may also like

Hindi films like Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

TMDB

This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.