‘Manikarnika’ Row: Kangana to Re-Shoot Scenes From Original Cut?

‘Manikarnika’ has been in the news ever since news of Kangana Ranaut stepping in behind the camera for it emerged.

The producer of the film, Kamal Jain had earlier stated that Kangana Ranaut was considered the best person to take over the mantle to complete patchwork and to direct a few additional scenes for Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, when director Krish moved on to his new film.

But a report in Mid-day stated that Kangana has now decided to change the 10-day patchwork shoot to a 45-day schedule. The report also stated that many scenes from director Krish’s original cut will be shot again.

The movie has been in the midst of a controversy ever since the news of Kangana stepping in behind the camera for it emerged.

During the first screening, the producers noted that the movie didn’t adhere to the script written by KV Vijayendra Prasad. There were glaring discrepancies in character establishment. For instance, Jhalkaribai’s [Ankita Lokhande’s character] bond with Rani Laxmibai was not woven well into the narrative, which, in turn, made the climax jarring. 

Source to Mid-day

Clearing speculations about the film, Jain earlier said in a statement: "The additional shoot of the film is presently underway at ND Studios at Karjat, near Mumbai. After the last schedule was over, we saw the line-up of the film. On seeing it, we decided that apart from the patchwork, we also needed a few additional scenes.

Once the scenes were written, we approached Kangana for additional dates. But Krish had moved on to his next project by then. Given how driven and creatively involved Kangana has been on this project since its inception, we realised she would be the best person to take over the mantle.

"Hence, there is no hijacking of the project. Whatever decisions are being taken are with the full support of the producer and the studio."

Jain said they have an aggressive production schedule planned as they are committed to releasing the film on January 25, 2019.

Actor Sonu Sood has walked out of the film owing to his professional commitment towards Simmba. However, Kangana hit back at him, claiming he left the movie as he "refused to work under a woman director".

On his part, Sonu has denied this.

Jain explained:

While we managed to get matching dates from Danny Denzongpa, Jishu Sengupta, Ankita Lokhande and others, we got stuck on Sonu’s combination dates and continuity look as he has grown a beard for ‘Simmba’.

"Hence, we had to let him go. Zeeshan Ayub now plays the character of Sadashiv".

(With inputs from IANS, Mid-day)