Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is a lively and emotional homage to Rani Lakshmibai that applauds her unprecedented dare and sacrifice in the struggle of attaining independence by India. The patriotic spirit and the ideas of courage and perseverance presented in the movie are extremely overwhelming and put people in the mood of revisiting the sacrifices of the fighters against colonialism. In visual terms, it is a spectacular spectacle, with a magnificent production design, bright time settings and epic battles that clearly but somewhat stereotypically recreate the historic havoc and glory, although not always without certain excessive effects.
The acting is a hit and a miss; the main actress stars in a believable portrait of fierceness of Lakshmibai; however, sometimes she seems to be playing the same as an archetype, not a personality. Characters that are supportive such as Jhalkaribai and Sadashiv Rao are relevant and at time they lacked the emotional contents that could really make the story rise above. The vision of director Krish is more on the spectacle and action side as the movie moves through quickly, holding the attention of the viewers but sometimes at the expense of giving the characters some depth and nuance of emotions. The score of the film enhances the heroic parts of the movie, but it also tends to be melodramatic at times, which slows down the genuineness of the emotions.
What stood out the most was the undeterred decision and determination exhibited by Lakshmibai who was an epitome in patriotism and sacrifice, which generates bravery and sacrifice inspiring enough to this day. Although part of the dialogue and some of the sequences seem to be too theatrical or hurried, this movie manages to stir up pride and be a celebration of female courage. All in all, there is a moving, nationalistic screen tribute to *Manikarnika* which is not perfect but still touching to the core and leaves an indelible mark of valor and endurance and particularly so to persons with an interest in resistance and sacrifice.
