After Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika lands into soup. This time, the Brahmin outfit known as Sarv Brahmnin Mahasabha has threatened to stage protests over film’s release. The highly-anticipated film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi hops the bandwagon of controversial films of Bollywood after Padmaavat.
Reports are doing the round that the movie, which was earlier slated to release in April, has now been pushed to August. However, the producers of the film, Kamal Jain and Zee Studios haven't officially announced the release date yet.
On a related note, a Brahmin outfit in Rajasthan has threatened to disrupt the shooting of the film, claiming it has an "indecent portrayal" of Rani Laxmibai. The film is based on the life of Jhansi Ki Rani and allegedly shows a romantic relationship between the warrior queen and a British officer. Karni Sena, who staged outrage over Padmaavat released, said, “Agar Brahmin ka khoon bahega to Rajput kya chup rahega, jab Rajput ka khoon baha to Brahmin kabhi chup nahi haha (Rajputs will never keep quiet if Brahmins are affected, and vice versa).”
Talking about the controversy around her film Manikarnika, Kangana Ranaut told media, “How can people even think that we will show a love relationship between Queen of Jhansi and a British officer. These are just rumours.”
“All these are futile talks. There’s nothing as such in the film. We’re deeply hurt by the protests this film is facing,” Kangana added. She also told that the film’s writer has also named his daughter Manikarnika.
The period drama, which stars Kangana in the titular role, also features Atul Kulkarni in a pivotal role as Tatya Tope, Sonu Sood as Sadashiv and Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkarbai.
(With ANI Inputs)
