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.

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

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.

Rani Lakshmibai was a great woman. She deserves better than a film that chooses to use her for its own self-serving ends.

Overall, this film is awe inspiring due to its grandeur but fails to touch the emotional chord in your heart.

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.

Despite wanting to know so much about Lakshmibai, the movie prefers to celebrate her unabashedly without ever throwing an insight into who she really was. So we are left googling for more information!