Deity Datta

This film can be best described as a recipe having all the terrific key ingredients yet failing to be as the delicious dish it should be!! What went wrong? The first thing that comes to mind is the overall treatment of such a significant piece of indian freedom struggle history. Frankly, it's quite juvenile (for the want of a better term). Secondly, the screenplay could have been more succinct thereby reducing the length of this period drama which seems to drag quite a bit. Thirdly, the dialogues could have been much better and striking. Afterall this is dramatisation of history!! The script lacked depth and dignity which at times makes one cringe (almost). There are a few key highlights though which makes this movie worth a dekho (this being R Day weekend too!!). The first mention is the Queen ofcourse. She is shouldering this whole period drama without a doubt. Her action scene expressions are one of the best and fiercest the indian silver screen has ever seen. So, hats off to her for that atleast. But movie making is a team effort. Secondly, the cinematography and the sets are breath taking in some shots. The back ground score is worth mentioning because of its fluidity with the scenes. Music is OK. The "bharat" song is heart rendering. Big thumbs up for that. All in all... given this is the Republic Day weekend and 'DeshBhakti' is the air... it makes Manikarnika worth a one time watch.