Kangana Ranaut launched a 20-feet tall poster of her film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Thursday.
Kangana, who will be seen in the role of Rani Laxmibai in the film, said she hoped that she would live up to the rebellious legacy of the famous warrior-queen.
To be directed by Krish, the film will hit the theatres on April 27 next year.
"I'm so blessed to be here. With the blessings of Lord Shiva, we have launched it here. After coming on board for this project, I feel like I've achieved something very big in my life," said Kangana, who also participated in the evening Ganga aarti', after the launch.
Laxmibai, whose maiden name was Manikarnika, was born in Varanasi in 1828 to a Brahmin family. This is why the makers decided to unveil the film's first official poster in the city.
Kangana, who looked every inch the fiery queen on the film's poster, hoped that people would love "Manikarnika" the way they have appreciated her previous roles.
"I feel that Rani of Jhansi is very relatable for women like us. Life without respect was equivalent to death for her.
I think that is something I completely identified with."
Veteran writer V Vijendra Prasad, the writer of "Baahubali" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", has teamed up with Prasoon Joshi for the script of the film.
"This story has a lot of energy. I'm blessed that I'm attached to this film. I never thought that I'd ever get the opportunity to work with Vijendra ji who has written a film like 'Baahubali.'
"Also, I want to say that this film would not have been possible without Kangana Ranaut. I don't think any other actress has that fire and determination like Kangana to play
this character," Joshi said.
Kangana also performed the famous 'Ganga aarti' with the film's team, which also includes music composers Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy and producer Kamal Jain.
(With PTI Inputs)
