Jaipur, February 7 (newsin.asia): After the Rajput Karni Sena took on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmavati, it is not the turn of the Sarva Brahmins of Rajasthan to raise objections about a Bollywood movie, Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming period drama Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.
The script is based on the life of the 19th century queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai ,who was a Brahmin.
While the makers have clarified that the movie is not a biopic, the flick has somehow come under flak for — yep, you guessed it — allegedly distorting history.
The Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha, an organisation of Brahmins, has alleged misrepresentation of historical facts. In fact, the organisation has sent a warning letter to the makers, and have threatened to stall the shooting of the film in Rajasthan.
The Sarva Brahman Mahasabha President Suresh Mishra held a press conference in Jaipur to address the issue. He claimed that the film shows an affair between the Rani of Jhansi and an Englishman.
“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.”
“Nobody can even imagine that Rani Lakshmibai 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,” says Mishra in his letter.
However, producer Kamal Jain has clarified that Manikarnika doesn’t portray anything offensive. He told India Today: “As responsible filmmakers, we have taken utmost care while portraying Rani Lakshmibai’s character and have consulted historians and scholars. Rani Lakshmibai was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leaders our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour and the film’s story depicts the same.”
“The film doesn’t portray anything objectionable about her and nor has the film distorted the history in anyway. The film showcases Rani Lakshmibai in most respectful manner and is an inspirational story which every kid and family member would love to see. We as country would be proud to showcase the bravery, courage and heroism of Rani Lakshmibai to the world,” he adds.
(The featured image at the top shows actress Kagana Ranaut)
