Looks like after Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’ Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ is also facing issues. It is facing opposition in Rajasthan in a similar manner as ‘Padmaavat’. Kangana’s film is based on the nineteenth-century queen of Jhansi, Laxmi Bai, a prominent figure in Indian modern history.
The president of the Sarva Brahman Mahasabha (SBM) Suresh Mishra said on Monday alleged that the film distorts the history regarding Laxmi Bai and depicts a love affair between her and a British man. "We learnt about it from our friends and acquaintances in various parts of Rajasthan where some scenes of the film are being shot. The film is based on a foreigner’s book and tries to dampen the queen’s reputation,” he said.
The president further added that he had sent a letter to the film producer Kamal Jain asking about the writers of the film, the profile of the historian consulted and details of songs in the film if there are any. But there reportedly no response from the producer said the president and hence his intentions are not good stated the president.
Producer Kamal Jain said, “The film shows Rani Laxmibai in a respectful manner. We have taken care about portraying her including consulting historians and scholars in Jhansi. She was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leaders our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour in our country. The film’s story depicts the same. The film doesn’t portray anything objectionable about her. There is no love affair depicted in the film and there is no distortion of history in any way. It pains me to hear these statements about one of the greatest leaders India has seen. Is this what independence means? We are making a film which depicts the real story of Rani Laxmibai. Having said that, we are open and willing to show the script (to people who might have doubts). We have nothing to hide. We are proud to be making a film and want the world to see one of the greatest leaders of India. This film is a tribute to Rani Laxmibai.”
Suresh Mishra said, “Nobody can even imagine that Maharani Laxmi Bai could have an affair. She died fighting the British at a young age. If a film is to be made on her life, it should be a biopic. If the same had been done in the case of 'Padmaavat', there would have been no issue at all.”
