Kangana: I have tried my best to essay the role of Rani Laxmibai

Kangana Ranaut plays Rani Laxmibai in her forthcoming period drama Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi. The makers--Zee Studios and producer Kamal Jain--released the first look of the film yesterday. 

Directed by Krish, the film promises to tell a story of courage, strength, and determination, and celebrates the extraordinary story of the queen who laid down her life at the age of 30.

"It's an iconic role. I trained a lot in sword fights and horse riding. In fact, after riding the horse for two days straight, I got a fever. I can only imagine the strength and nerves of steel that Laxmibai had... I am nowhere close to her greatness. I have only tried my best to portray her tales of bravery," says Kangana.

The makers chose Independence Day to launch the first official poster, given the significance of Rani Laxmibai in India's freedom struggle.

Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, says, "The film is mounted on a massive scale to justify the extraordinary story of Rani of Jhansi -- her courage, her strength, and her great love for the country. I don't think anyone can  portray Rani of Jhansi better than Kangana. We couldn't be happier with the way the campaign is coming together."

To this, Jain adds, "As we celebrate our Independence Day today, we owe it to our brave freedom fighters. Many heroes gallantly fought for our freedom, one such great Indian hero is our own Manikarnika, our Rani of Jhansi, Laxmibai, who is the symbol of heroism in India."

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is slated to release on January 25, 2019.