After Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, fringe groups have turned their attention toward Kangana Ranaut starrer Manikarnika, which is based on the life of Queen of Jhansi.
The Sarva Brahman Mahasabha, a Brahmin group from Rajasthan, claims the film distorts history as it reportedly shows and romantic sequence between the Queen of Jhansi and British officer Robert Ellis.
However, Ranaut, who stars as the Queen of Jhansi, says there's nothing controversial in the movie and added that controversies were being created by those who wanted to get famous.
"There is nothing controversial in Manikarnika. It's really bad on our part to even think about creating such controversies for a woman who gave a tough fight to the British rulers while fighting alone for the country's sake," she said, according to reports.
Ranaut also added that the Queen was the "daughter of India" who made significant contributions to the country's independence.
"This movie is sure to instill a feeling of pride among the people," she said, and rubbished rumours of a love story angle in the film.
Earlier this week, Sarva Brahman Mahasabha president Suresh Mishra held a press conference in Jaipur to raise objections to scenes portraying a love affair between Rani of Jhansi and Ellis.
He said, “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 Maharani Laxmi Bai 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,” said Mishra.
Interestingly, the Rajput Karni Sena has extended their support to the group. The Sarva Brahman Mahasabha had supported the anti-Padmaavat protests staged by the Karni Sena earlier.
