Manikarnika does not distort history in any way: Producer Kamal Jain

The makers of Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, a biopic on Rani Laxmibai, said yesterday that the film neither distorts historical facts nor portrays anything objectionable.

A little-known Brahmin outfit called the Sarva Brahman Mahasabha had demanded that the filmmakers share complete details of the story to rule out any tampering with facts.

Kamal Jain, the film's producer, said in a statement: "As responsible filmmakers, we have taken utmost care while portraying Rani Laxmibai's character and consulted historians and scholars. Rani Laxmibai was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leaders our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour and the film's story depicts the same."

Manikarnika features Kangana Ranaut in the lead role.

"The film does not portray anything objectionable about Rani Laxmibai nor has the film distorted history in any way. The film showcases Rani Laxmibai in a most respectful manner and is an inspirational story which every kid and every member of a family would love to see. We as a country would be proud to showcase the bravery, courage and heroism of Rani Laxmibai to the world," Jain added.

The makers have said they are open to sharing the script with "authorized persons" who have any "doubts" about the movie.

Suresh Mishra, president of the Sarva Brahman Mahasabha, wrote a letter to the filmmakers, saying the film's shooting will "not be allowed in Rajasthan till complete information on the historical ground of the story is made available".

The organization has also accused the film's producers of "tampering with historical facts", which Mishra said would not be tolerated. A "massive protest" will be staged in case their request is not heeded to, he said.

Dissatisfied with the clarification from the filmmakers, representatives of the group have decided to call on Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh today (7 February) and submit a memorandum requesting him to take from the producers an affidavit which declares that the film does not distort historical facts.

Speaking to the news agency IANS, Mishra said: "We want to ensure that any film which is being shot in Rajasthan does not distort historical facts and hence we want the state government to act accordingly."

He said a representative board of the group would meet the governor and request the Rajasthan government to make arrangements to obtain an affidavit from the producers outlining the story of the film and confirming that it does not tamper with historical facts.

This controversy over Manikarnika comes soon after Padmaavat emerged successful following a long-drawn battle with the Shri Rajput Karni Sena over alleged distortion of facts — a contention that the movie's producers had been denying since the shooting began.

Padmaavat was not allowed to be shot in Rajasthan and its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was assaulted in Jaipur. The film has also not been released in the state so far.