With audiences sinking in the feels of patriotism, “Manikarnika” becomes the second blockbuster of the year!

February 7: Indian cinema watchers are full of excitement for the war dramas this year it seems! The trend started with the strategic modern era war “Uri: The Surgical Strike”, is being continued by the war from historic era “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi”.

Yes.. she ruled Jhansi in the British era.. but she is not lagging behind in ruling the box office in the modern era as well! “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi”, starring Kangana Ranaut as the main protagonist, continues its spectacular box-office performance as the film has crossed a whopping mark of 115 crores worldwide in two weeks only.

 

The film is based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi who was one of the key leaders in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The film shows her struggle for India’s freedom from the ruthless British Raj.

Released on January 25, when the country was ripe with patriotic fervour, Manikarnika managed to touch the right chords. The film is also said to be standing among the top three female-driven films in Bollywood.

 

According to a review, “Kangana Ranaut as the fierce Rani Laxmibai stands out in the movie meant to extol the queen's bravery, fairness and progressiveness”. She has been gaining praises for her breath-taking portrayal of Rani Laxmibai. Kangana has been known for touching the audiences with her female driven films such as ‘Queen’ and ‘Tanu weds Manu’ and its sequel. However, Manikarnika is special for the actress as the movie is her directorial debut.

 

Along with Ranaut, “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” also stars Atul Kulkarni, Jisshu Sengupta, Richard Keep, Suresh Oberoi, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, and Ankita Lokhande. Written by Prasoon Joshi, the film is directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi and co-directed by Kangana Ranaut. Music composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, is also hitting the audience’s attention.

 

Even though the Telugu and Tamil dubbed versions of the film had a limited collection, the film has done a fantastic job standing out on the box office. The period drama is clashing with Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Thackeray, Sonam and Anil Kapoor's Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Vicky Kaushal's Uri: The Surgical Strike which might have been a significant variable in taking a big chunk out of Manikarnika’s collection.

 

Meanwhile, the Modern war drama ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ is on its way to enter the 200 crores club. So, box office success aside, it is safe to say that the films like ‘Uri’ and ‘Manikarnika’ have surely done an outstanding job of digging the patriotic feels in the Indian audiences.