The Warrior Queen of Jhansi trailer: Rani Lakshmibai rises once again

“She’s more than just a woman, she’s an idea,” the trailer of The Warrior Queen of Jhansi intones. Coming nine months after Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, starring Kangana Ranaut, this all feels a bit like déjà vu.

The project, earlier named Swords and Sceptres, was initially announced two years ago. The period drama, directed by Swati Bhise, features Devika Bhise as Rani Lakshmibai. British actors Rupert Everett, Derek Jacobi, and Nathaniel Parker are part of the cast while actress Jodhi May plays Queen Victoria.

Indian actors Milind Gunaji, Yatin Karyekar, Arif Zakaria, Nagesh Bhonsle, and Ajinkya Deo round out the rest of the cast.  

The trailer pays slavish attention to the period detail and the production design is commendable. 

Devika's Rani Lakshmibai doesn't seem as convincing with her accented Marathi and English. She feels out of place as compared to the rest of cast members.

The film is due to be released this November in English and Marathi.