Manikarnika Movie Review

Manikarnika Movie Review

Kangana shines in a superfluous narrative

• Film: "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi"
• Director: Kangana Ranaut and Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi
• Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Atul Kulkarni, Danny Denzonpa, Suresh Oberoi, Jishu Sengupta, Vikram Kochhar, Prajakta Mali, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, Kulbushan Kharbanda

Here is an opportunity for those who have not heard of the legendary Rani Laxmibai, the warrior queen of Jhansi, who gallantly battled against the British with her infant son tied to her back during the Indian revolution.

With a tale spanning from 1828 to 1858, the film, "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" gives you a fair picture about her life and times.

On the acting front, every actor appears sincere, but none stand out for their performance beside Actress Kangana Ranaut who has helmed this film along with Krish Jagarlamudi, plays the eponymous role with all sincerity. Her craft-fuelled intoxication is both naive and endearing. She breathes life into the feisty Manikarnika, but, just like the eye lashes she flaunts in the film.

Visually the film is a treat.

The war scenes with astutely choreographed action sequences are imposing. Mounted on a magnificent scale of an epic with excellent production values, the elaborate production designs of the sets along with the costumes are impressive.

The VFX and the live action sequences are seamlessly layered in the film.

Overall, this film is awe inspiring due to its grandeur but fails to touch the emotional chord in your heart.

My Rating: 3/5

Link to my full review post → Manikarnika Movie Review

Thackeray Movie Review

Thackeray Movie Review

'Thackeray': Aesthetically presented and Convincing

• Film: "Thackeray"
• Director: Abhijit Panse
• Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao, Sudhir Mishra, Abdul Quadir Amin, Radha Sagar, Laxman Singh Rajput

The movie gives us an insight into the life of the late Bal Keshav "Balasahed" Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena and his meteoric rise in Maharashtra's political space.

The film portrays Balasaheb as a caring and considerate family man and upturns many myths while portraying him as the fiery, revolutionary leader, who "has the power to control Bombay" in the times of questionable democracy.

Most of the lines spoken are direct lifts from Balashaheb's speeches and writings, clearly displaying his presence of mind and how good an orator he was.

The plot is replete with the milestones that occurred during his lifetime, and each event is backed by facts in a cause and effect style, thus making the tale convincing.

Though Nawazuddin Siddiqui embodies Balashaheb but he doesn't manage to not transcend his source material or Balashaheb's blazing spirit. He is more understated and demure in his disposition.

Amrita Rao is effortlessly convincing as Balasaheb's wife Meenatai. The rest of the supporting cast has a strong similarity to the characters they portray.

While each moment in the film is simple and realistic and the fluidity of the narrative taut, the end is rather abrupt. But, the promise of a sequel is what keeps the spirits high while leaving the auditorium.

Overall, this film is notches better than any of the previous movies offering a glimpse into Balasaheb's life.

I’ll rate the Movie: 3.5/5

Link to my full review post → Thackeray Movie Review

India Women Vs New Zealand Women 1st ODI: Smriti Mandhana stars in India's 9-wkt win over New Zealand

Indian women cricket team's tour of New Zealand commences on January 24 and will comprise three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals. 

India Women tour of New Zealand 2019: India rode on opener Smriti Mandhana's fourth ODI ton and a disciplined bowling effort from the spin twins of Ekta Bisht and Poonam Yadav to outclass New Zealand by 9 wickets in the first ICC Women's Championship One-day International at the McLean Park here on 24th January 2019.

Smriti, the 2018 ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year, continued from where she left last year, as she belted a 104-ball 105, comprising nine fours and three sixes, and was engaged in a 190-run opening stand with teenager Jemimah Rodrigues (81 not out) to power the visitors home with 17 overs to spare.

Also Read: BCCI lifts suspension on Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul over ‘Koffee with Karan’ controversy

The Indian spinners bowled well and took eight wickets between them, with Ekta Bisht (3/32) and Poonam Yadav (3/42) taking three wickets each, while Deepti ended with an economical 2/27.
This win was another fine show of dominance by the Indians and a perfect start under their new coach W.V. Raman.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 192/10  (48.4 Ovs)

• (Suzie Bates 36, Amy Satterthwaite 31)
• (Ekta Bisht 3/32, Poonam Yadav 3/42)

India: 193/1

• (Smriti Mandhana 105, Jemimah Rodrigues 81*)
• (Amelia Ker 1/33)

↓↓↓ See the Full Scorecard & Watch Full highlights here ↓↓↓

 

India Women Vs New Zealand Women 1st ODI