Just a dispute with a vendor demanding more money: Kangana Ranaut on Manikarnika controversy 

Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, was embroiled in controversy when allegations of non-payment of dues to certain technicians emerged against the producers. Denying the reports, Kangana clarified in a statement, "I’ve been informed about it. There's nothing as such and it’s just a dispute with a vendor, where they don’t think that they should pay as much the vendor is demanding for."

The actor, however, agreed that film technicians and labourers deserve to properly remunerated. "I also feel for technicians as I think they’re devalued. I want to venture into writing and direction, and jobs which are for the unsung heroes, and I also want to motivate the people for same. But when this injustice happens with labourers and technicians it can’t be tolerated."

Kangana pledged that even if a single labourer isn't paid his/her dues, she would refuse to do promotions for the film, adding that she trusts a banner like Zee Studios to take care of its dependents. "I said that I won’t go for any promo launch and I won’t promote the film as well if even a single labourer’s money has got stuck. I also don’t think any such issue can happen on a film like this. Zee Studios have a great reputation and are a big studio, so there’ll be no complaints from our end."

Directed by Krish and produced by Zee Studios in association with Kamal Jain and Nishant Pitti, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is scheduled for release on January 25. The big-budget film is headed for a box-office clash with Hrithik Roshan’s Super 30 and Emraan Hashmi’s Cheat India.