Manikarnika producer meets Brahmin Mahasabha, assures no distortion of history

JAIPUR: Putting controversy surrounding Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Manikarnika: The

Queen

of Jhansi’ to rest, its producer Kamal Jain assured Sarva

Brahmin Mahasabha

that there is no romantic song or sequence of Rani Lakshmibai with the Britishers in the film. Jain also clarified that the film is not based on Jaishree Misra’s book Rani, as speculated by the Mahasabha and others and there is no distortion of history.

State president of Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha Suresh Mishra had written a letter to the producer of the film asking him on the writer of the film and if the film had any distorted history in its script. On February 5, he had also demanded the state government immediately stop the shooting of the under-production film, conduct an inquiry into the historic sources of the film and ensure that the filmmakers do not distort historical facts in the epic biographical film on

Rani Laxmibai

. He insisted that the shooting should be allowed only after the producers give an undertaking that no controversial content would be shown in the movie.

Taking note on the queries and allegations, Jain spoke to Mishra on Friday evening and later decided to sit along with the Brahmin leader to clarify his stand on the film.

“As a responsible filmmaker I understand that films do influence our society and youth. Thus, it is a responsible task for us to understand that. If we talk about freedom of expression, there is also responsibility of expression which also applies with every artiste and filmmaker. I am proud to know that we had iconic and inspirational leader Rani Laxmibai,” said Kamal Jain while addressing the press conference.

“Let me assure you that we are making the film with sheer honesty and purity. How many of us know that Manikarnika was the name of Rani Laxmibai? This shows that we are making the film with sheer honesty and purity. About the author I can only say that it is written by K. V Vijayendra

Prasad

the father of Rajamouli of Bahubali. Mr. Prasad is so inspired with the character of Rani Laxmibai that name of his daughter is Manikarnika,” Jain added.

Talking further about the movie, he said, “The character of Rani Laxmibai is the most revered and respectable one. Since childhood, we have been studying about her and listening to the poems ‘Khoob Ladi Mardani Woh To Jhani Wali Rani Thee’. I met Mishra ji and assured him that we are making an authentic film on Rani Laxmibai. A lot of research work is been done by the writer of the film. Lyricist, scriptwriter and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi has penned the dialogues of the film,” he added.

“It is purely a patriotic film based on the life story of Rani Laxmibai,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mishra the Brahmin leader said that he(producer) has given an assurance in written to the Mahasabha stating that in the reel life depiction of Rani Laxmibai will not have an iota of distorted history.

Mishra, addressing the conference, said, “I have asked the producer if the upcoming film was based on history, fiction or if there is distortion of history. Thus, the producer came and met me and replied to my queries. He has assured that film is based on history and there is no distortion. Since Jain took an initiative and gave us in written that there is no distortion of history in the film, we are withdrawing our protest. We are convinced with his vision relating to the film. He (Producer) has also refuted the reports and rumours saying film is based on Jaishree Misra’s book.”

“I will suggest the films based on history should be close to the historical facts and should be responsibly made,” Jain added.