Filmmaker Ketan Mehta lambasts “Manikarnika” as jingoistic and lamentable, raising concerns over historical accuracy.
In a recent interview, renowned Indian filmmaker Ketan Mehta expressed his strong criticism of the film “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi,” directed by Kangana Ranaut. Mehta, known for his acclaimed films such as “Mirch Masala” and “Mangal Pandey: The Rising,” did not hold back in his scathing assessment of Ranaut’s directorial debut.
Collaboration Fails, Ranaut Takes Charge:
In 2015, Ketan Mehta announced his plans to make a film on Rani Lakshmi Bai, with Kangana Ranaut as the lead. However, due to creative and logistical differences, the collaboration between Mehta and Ranaut did not work out. Years later, Mehta revealed that his version of the film differed from Ranaut’s “Manikarnika,” but specific details were not provided. Eventually, Kangana Ranaut took control of the project and co-directed it with Krish Jagarlamudi.
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Film Criticized: Historical Inaccuracy:
Mehta labeled the film as jingoistic and pathetic, citing concerns about its historical accuracy and cinematic execution. He raised questions about the portrayal of the historical figure Rani Laxmibai, played by Kangana Ranaut herself, stating that the film overly glorified her character and failed to delve into the nuances of her personality.
Nationalism Overshadows Nuance:
According to Mehta, the film’s attempt to project a nationalist fervor was misguided and came at the expense of a nuanced narrative. He argued that historical figures should be depicted with a balanced approach, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses, rather than being reduced to one-dimensional characters driven solely by patriotism.
Lackluster Filmmaking Disappoints:
Mehta also criticized the film’s cinematic qualities, noting that the storytelling lacked finesse and the direction failed to capture the essence of the historical period. He lamented the missed opportunity to create a truly engaging and insightful film about Rani Laxmibai and her contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
The filmmaker expressed his disappointment with the trend of jingoistic and superficial historical films in recent times, suggesting that they lacked depth and intellectual rigor. He emphasized the importance of research, accuracy, and creative integrity while bringing historical stories to the silver screen.
Mehta’s Standards in Filmmaking:
It is worth mentioning that Mehta’s comments should be seen in the context of his own historical films, which have often been acclaimed for their attention to detail and accurate representation of events. His criticism of “Manikarnika” stems from his concern for maintaining the high standards of historical storytelling in Indian cinema.
Debate: Artistic Interpretation:
Kangana Ranaut’s “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” was a commercial success, garnering praise from some quarters for its portrayal of Rani Laxmibai as a brave and patriotic warrior queen. However, Ketan Mehta’s scathing critique highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibility of filmmakers to portray historical events and figures with accuracy and nuance.
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As with any form of art, opinions on films can vary greatly, and Mehta’s views offer a contrasting perspective to the popular reception of “Manikarnika.” Ultimately, it is up to the audience to decide whether they resonate with Mehta’s assessment or find value in Ranaut’s portrayal of Rani Laxmibai in the film.
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