However, in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Ranaut – like Lakshmibai – further establishes how comfortable she is standing alone on the battlefield. In the dramatisation of the historical events, Manikarnika takes justified creative liberties to craft a linear fairy-tale narrative following the classic hero’s journey. The world of Manikarnika has cracks but the flood has yet to break the walls down. In terms of CGI and aesthetics, the film isn’t superior to Bhansali’s baroque canvases but in a lot of ways, Manikarnika is grittier and real in its portrayal. Of course, Manikarnika isn’t perfect.

Source: The Express Tribune January 26, 2019 09:56 UTC