Nowhere as bad as some of the reviews say, ignore them, its reasonable entertainment . Of course it's not 100% based on fact but is any film? That's what documentaries are for. Go enjoy a good film!
21 Reviews
Good entertainment
initwicked6 April 2021
Near-miss on a tribute to one of India's independence icons
lotekguy-114 November 2019
This drama is based on the true story of India's Joan of Arc - the queen of a province in the mid-19th century who began a century of resistance to England's colonial oppression and exploitation. In this case, it wasn't The Crown committing the triggering evil acts, but its anointed corporate proxy - the East India Company, fully supported by the British army. The titular Rani Lakshmibai, impressively portrayed by Devika Bhise (also credited as co-writer with her director/mother Swati Bhise), was raised by her father with training in weaponry and fighting not usually given to young ladies. Though they knew of the rapacious, treacherous practices of their corporate overlords, they little knew how much she'd need those skills as an adult.
After the death of the Rani's husband, the greedy Brits decided to void the treaty recognizing his sovereignty, preferring to take his valuable turf for themselves ... by any means necessary. This fit a pattern of similar practices among other desirable, vulnerable realms with the needed blend of force, espionage and assorted forms of treachery. But the imperialists didn't expect such stern resistance - especially from a woman! We see much of the occupiers' arrogance and sense of entitlement that caused resentments and resistance in India and far beyond, which still have ripple effects in today's worldwide political turmoil. The Rani becomes a symbol of India's right to freedom from foreign domination that spread and endured until it achieved independence almost a century later.
The best aspects of this production are its visuals and efficiency, with impressive costumes, sets and action packed into 102 minutes. That's quite short for historical epics, especially considering India's usual running time for historical dramas. Presumably targeting a global audience, rather than primarily domestic, casting Bhise in the lead with a full cast of actors actually from their characters' homelands, was a sound decision on the merits, not just on PC grounds. Had Hollywood been involved, her role might have gone to a known, bankable actress like Alicia Vikander, who strongly resembles Ms. Bhise, and has already earned some action cred by playing pulp adventuress Lara Croft.
The low rating, above, is due to the unfortunate flatness of the film. There's far too much talking and too little action for this Asian analog to the likes of a Braveheart. We're told the Rani was a formidable military leader, but see little of her victories - however minor - during her multi-year campaign. Such scenes would have paid more tribute to her character's actual achievements, and satisfied the audience that's rooting for her side of the culture-clash. Presumably, her outgunned, outnumbered forces attained most of their success via guerilla tactics that could have added visceral enjoyment to the package, if displayed. The battle sequences we get are impressively staged, but too heavily tilted to the capitalists' victories, without enough of the wins for the Good Guys. Even so, this is an impressive tale of the sort of principled hero or heroine that's depressingly hard to find anywhere these days.
After the death of the Rani's husband, the greedy Brits decided to void the treaty recognizing his sovereignty, preferring to take his valuable turf for themselves ... by any means necessary. This fit a pattern of similar practices among other desirable, vulnerable realms with the needed blend of force, espionage and assorted forms of treachery. But the imperialists didn't expect such stern resistance - especially from a woman! We see much of the occupiers' arrogance and sense of entitlement that caused resentments and resistance in India and far beyond, which still have ripple effects in today's worldwide political turmoil. The Rani becomes a symbol of India's right to freedom from foreign domination that spread and endured until it achieved independence almost a century later.
The best aspects of this production are its visuals and efficiency, with impressive costumes, sets and action packed into 102 minutes. That's quite short for historical epics, especially considering India's usual running time for historical dramas. Presumably targeting a global audience, rather than primarily domestic, casting Bhise in the lead with a full cast of actors actually from their characters' homelands, was a sound decision on the merits, not just on PC grounds. Had Hollywood been involved, her role might have gone to a known, bankable actress like Alicia Vikander, who strongly resembles Ms. Bhise, and has already earned some action cred by playing pulp adventuress Lara Croft.
The low rating, above, is due to the unfortunate flatness of the film. There's far too much talking and too little action for this Asian analog to the likes of a Braveheart. We're told the Rani was a formidable military leader, but see little of her victories - however minor - during her multi-year campaign. Such scenes would have paid more tribute to her character's actual achievements, and satisfied the audience that's rooting for her side of the culture-clash. Presumably, her outgunned, outnumbered forces attained most of their success via guerilla tactics that could have added visceral enjoyment to the package, if displayed. The battle sequences we get are impressively staged, but too heavily tilted to the capitalists' victories, without enough of the wins for the Good Guys. Even so, this is an impressive tale of the sort of principled hero or heroine that's depressingly hard to find anywhere these days.
Nationalistic
westsideschl26 July 2020
Like most films produced to tell a particular nation's history you're shown mostly the good traits of that nation, and mostly the bad traits of the opposition. In many other films of this genre you can substitute "all" for "mostly". The nastiest statement (said in a manner that implied it was common) was that the Brits were killing women & children. It also didn't hurt the script's cause that they cast a model attractive female for the warrior queen. Yes, no doubt that humans will kill anything just for material greed and/or power. Would have liked to have seen some substantiation and research on the behavior of the East India Company as well as the behaviors of the Indian people & leaders during that period.
Impressive heroine in a fight for freedom
lor_4 November 2019
Multi-talented debuting film director Swati Bhise achieved her goal of telling the story of a real-life Wonder Woman, the title character who fought for the freedom of her people out from under the yoke of Colonialism in 1858, paving the way for future movements culminating in India's independence in 1947.
Bhise's talent as a choreographer is evident in the realization of this modestly budgeted epic, a combination historical drama and action movie. I was especially pleased as a fan of those traditional Hollywood and British historical adventure films of the 1930s like "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" and "Charge of the Light Brigade" right up to Cy Enfield's classic "Zulu" in the '60s that Bhise helps settle the score, with the Brits the bad guys for once.
Sharing the credit for this movie's achievement is the director's daughter Devika Bhise, most impressive in her swordplay, athleticism and equestrian skills to bring the larger-than-life heroine to the screen. At the q&a following a Saturday screening, director Bhise revealed that Devika was entrusted with directing the final two days of shooting on location in Morocco after her mother took ill.
Bhise's talent as a choreographer is evident in the realization of this modestly budgeted epic, a combination historical drama and action movie. I was especially pleased as a fan of those traditional Hollywood and British historical adventure films of the 1930s like "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" and "Charge of the Light Brigade" right up to Cy Enfield's classic "Zulu" in the '60s that Bhise helps settle the score, with the Brits the bad guys for once.
Sharing the credit for this movie's achievement is the director's daughter Devika Bhise, most impressive in her swordplay, athleticism and equestrian skills to bring the larger-than-life heroine to the screen. At the q&a following a Saturday screening, director Bhise revealed that Devika was entrusted with directing the final two days of shooting on location in Morocco after her mother took ill.
Worst Film
rathodvinod-540965 December 2019
Worst, Disgusting, Hypocrite
ashtiv4 December 2019
Worst movie ever.
doctormonikaverma10 December 2019
You guys should be ashamed of yourself to distort Indian history yet again. Shame on you all. This movie seems like everyone was on w33d when they were researching about jhansi ki raani. If anyone wana know true Queen of jhansi watch Manikarnika
"The Warrior Queen Of Jhansi" - Better Than I Thought It Would Be.
jaybizman14 December 2020
It's obvious that there are many Indian contributors on this site who have given this movie 'one star' reviews, but IMO, this is based not on the movie but their own ideas and biases about history.
This is (literally) a family affair, directed, produced and written by the Bhise's, prominent amongst which is the main protagonist - Queen Rani - played very well by Devika Bhise as the warrior queen - she has what it takes to be a star.
In the 1850's Britain was a force to reckon with and they formed armies and navies to colonize scores of countries worldwide; even today in 2020 The Queen (ER2) is Head of The British Commonwealth, some 50 odd now self governing countries are a part, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and yes India, which has a special status.
Queen Jansi began the uprising and resistance which lead to India's independence less than a century later.
True, it can be a tad slow at times and obviously low budget, but unlike 'Bahubali' which was all about internal Indian affairs, Jhansi was about the heart and soul of a country looking to free itself from foreign oversight and governance.
As long as you're not looking for Hollywood gloss, IMO, Jhansi is a worthwhile 90 minutes. I give this movie 7/10.
This is (literally) a family affair, directed, produced and written by the Bhise's, prominent amongst which is the main protagonist - Queen Rani - played very well by Devika Bhise as the warrior queen - she has what it takes to be a star.
In the 1850's Britain was a force to reckon with and they formed armies and navies to colonize scores of countries worldwide; even today in 2020 The Queen (ER2) is Head of The British Commonwealth, some 50 odd now self governing countries are a part, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and yes India, which has a special status.
Queen Jansi began the uprising and resistance which lead to India's independence less than a century later.
True, it can be a tad slow at times and obviously low budget, but unlike 'Bahubali' which was all about internal Indian affairs, Jhansi was about the heart and soul of a country looking to free itself from foreign oversight and governance.
As long as you're not looking for Hollywood gloss, IMO, Jhansi is a worthwhile 90 minutes. I give this movie 7/10.
Want my money and time back
moyeav7 July 2020
Boring movie. Too much talking and not enough action. Is she a great leader? It doesn't appear so because she keeps losing and leading people to death. Also don't like the attempt to make her looks and sounds like Games of Throne's Queen Daenerys. I think Manikarnika Queen of Jhansi is much better.
Rani Lakshmi Bai Strikes Again!
TharsheyN26 August 2022
The Warrior Queen Of Jhansi is based on Rani Lakshmi Bai also known as Manikarnika.
This movie follows the same person and timeline as Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi. While Manikarnika tended more towards the action, The Warrior Queen Of Jhansi tended more towards the political. It was also more grounded in its approach to the history with which it was dealing.
The casting for the film was well done, and the actress playing Rani Lakshmi Bai was great in her role as the Rani of Jhansi. However compared to the Kangana Ranaut version I just didn't enjoy this one as much. Though it was no fault of the actress as I feel she did as good a job as she was able.
The vfx in this movie were actually a bit better then in Manikarnika. At least that's what I feel.
The story as I said was more grounded and mentioned several facts that history also mentions. So it was definitely nice that they included little details like the Pork, Beef grease on the Enfield Rifles which was a major contributing factor, along with Indian soldiers having to serve overseas in them rebelling against the British oppressors.
The movie is a more realistic feeling, grounded approach then Manikarnika was, however it also glosses over a lot of the early life of the Rani with her husband the Maharaja.
All in all it is good movie, with a different take and angle on the life of Rani Manikarnika Lakshmi Bai. I did however enjoy Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi more then this version. So I'll be giving it a 7/10 only. That being said both films deserve a watch if you are interested in the life of this legendary queen!
This movie follows the same person and timeline as Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi. While Manikarnika tended more towards the action, The Warrior Queen Of Jhansi tended more towards the political. It was also more grounded in its approach to the history with which it was dealing.
The casting for the film was well done, and the actress playing Rani Lakshmi Bai was great in her role as the Rani of Jhansi. However compared to the Kangana Ranaut version I just didn't enjoy this one as much. Though it was no fault of the actress as I feel she did as good a job as she was able.
The vfx in this movie were actually a bit better then in Manikarnika. At least that's what I feel.
The story as I said was more grounded and mentioned several facts that history also mentions. So it was definitely nice that they included little details like the Pork, Beef grease on the Enfield Rifles which was a major contributing factor, along with Indian soldiers having to serve overseas in them rebelling against the British oppressors.
The movie is a more realistic feeling, grounded approach then Manikarnika was, however it also glosses over a lot of the early life of the Rani with her husband the Maharaja.
All in all it is good movie, with a different take and angle on the life of Rani Manikarnika Lakshmi Bai. I did however enjoy Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi more then this version. So I'll be giving it a 7/10 only. That being said both films deserve a watch if you are interested in the life of this legendary queen!
Simple and effective
jpatrick-9211430 December 2021
The annexing of India was brutal as that was the most effective way of gaining control. This film shows several sides of how nations and individuals opinions differ but also align. Very watchable, not overly sure of its accuracy but a powerful film none the less.
Great story, cheap movie.
subxerogravity20 November 2019
It felt like a poetic history lesson. Don't get me wrong I love a good history lesson but I came to see a movie about a Warrior Queen I did not get enough of that in any fashion.
It's all talk after talk and it was very generic. Rani did not have enough personality to make me feel anything for her. Nobody really did, cause I barely hated the white folks in the movie for what they are doing to the Brown people.
I think the filmmakers for introducing me to a strong warrior queen, but the introduction lacks the heart worthy of her.
Ignore other reviews
theramthecentaur25 March 2021
Quite the useful perspective on the British Empire in India
oasomera14 July 2020
Though this is the story of the beginning of the end of the East India Company, it serves as a much needed criticism of the Victorian Age and one of the modern world's earliest corporations. But this is mostly incidental.
The story is about a real noble woman of high aspirations trying to keep her kingdom despite being repeatedly betrayed and attacked by the British. It's actually quite modest in its heroic portrayal and perhaps because of that, a bit stodgy in its first half, but worth the wait, mostly because of its luminous star, Devika Bhise. She pulls off the role with apparent ease and is a joy to watch.
This isn't a Hollywood super production but even at this somewhat shoestring level, the story is served well. The British parts are also enjoyable and not over sanitized.
The story is about a real noble woman of high aspirations trying to keep her kingdom despite being repeatedly betrayed and attacked by the British. It's actually quite modest in its heroic portrayal and perhaps because of that, a bit stodgy in its first half, but worth the wait, mostly because of its luminous star, Devika Bhise. She pulls off the role with apparent ease and is a joy to watch.
This isn't a Hollywood super production but even at this somewhat shoestring level, the story is served well. The British parts are also enjoyable and not over sanitized.
History at its Finest
birdiejr-576-27877729 March 2021
I love a movie based on historical references and this one did that while allowing the mysterious "legends say" about the ending. That was an added bonus for me for a story I did not know but enjoyed quite a bit. I loved the women empowerment theme to this even though it was the mid 1800s and I appreciated the compassion between unlikely people (and obvious ones). All in all, I'd love to watch this movie again. The cast was superb and the story well-written.
Beautifully told history
patticat22-711-9709129 August 2022
Personally I found this to be a very inspiring and beautifully told history. I cannot of course attest to the historical accuracy of the entire movie, but it does tell a very moving story of a very magnificent woman of great conviction, who fought anyway friendly on behalf of her country and her people. It should also be noted that the cinematography was also quite good.
An enlightening film!
linda-54416 November 2022
A piece of history I knew nothing about!
So glad I didn't take any notice of the low rated reviews.
Painful to watch in places as the British are not shown in a great light, but I suspect it's closer to the truth than we might like!
I enjoyed it, even though it made me cringe in places.
Characters were well portrayed and I thought that the use of subtitles in the relevant places was very fitting
Beautiful costumes and makeup, and the scenery was also stunning. I also thought the attention to detail by using breed of horse native to India was inspired
Try it, you may find it enlightening.
So glad I didn't take any notice of the low rated reviews.
Painful to watch in places as the British are not shown in a great light, but I suspect it's closer to the truth than we might like!
I enjoyed it, even though it made me cringe in places.
Characters were well portrayed and I thought that the use of subtitles in the relevant places was very fitting
Beautiful costumes and makeup, and the scenery was also stunning. I also thought the attention to detail by using breed of horse native to India was inspired
Try it, you may find it enlightening.
Perfection!
monicaaldanalv12 November 2019
I attended the private screening of this movie in Las Vegas and the Q&A with Producer and Director, Swati Bhise. I loved every minute of it! This film has it all. It's a fantastic story I have never heard. The acting was perfect. I was engaged the entire time! Two thumbs up!
Swords And Sceptres
mjk-3611 July 2019
I saw this movie Saturday, Nov 16. I really enjoyed it. The costumes were outstanding, it was very colourful. I thought the acting was great. You got a very good idea of the social philosophies in the mindsets of the Indians and the British. I can see that the directors and producers really put their hearts into this project.
One more thing; Cyanne Productions gave us really goof feedback ln their blogs regarding this movie. That is the first time ever I heard back on my ideas or comments from a movie company.
Add. I see a few nasty comments by some Indian folks on here. You know, I saw a movie last January called Thugs of Hindustan, mind you a fantasy movie. There is one scene about deceit and betrayal where one of the characters who was being stabbed in the back says the worst enemy of an Indian is another Indian. I see he was not far off the mark. 😉
I have seen all movies about this Queen starting with the 1953 version and including the TV series. I think this one is best so far. The director and her cast did a great job and like it or not the Brits though greedy, unjust and cruel at times, were no stupid fools as other shows wanted to demonstrate.
One more thing; Cyanne Productions gave us really goof feedback ln their blogs regarding this movie. That is the first time ever I heard back on my ideas or comments from a movie company.
Add. I see a few nasty comments by some Indian folks on here. You know, I saw a movie last January called Thugs of Hindustan, mind you a fantasy movie. There is one scene about deceit and betrayal where one of the characters who was being stabbed in the back says the worst enemy of an Indian is another Indian. I see he was not far off the mark. 😉
I have seen all movies about this Queen starting with the 1953 version and including the TV series. I think this one is best so far. The director and her cast did a great job and like it or not the Brits though greedy, unjust and cruel at times, were no stupid fools as other shows wanted to demonstrate.
Incredible performance from a future star
duncanccrystal18 November 2019
The first thing that jumps out from this film is the convincing and emotional performance by Devika Bhise. She is equally convincing in battle scenes with hundreds of people and in scenes where the only dialogue is with a single, young child. Beyond Bhise's break out performance lie a depth and attention to detail. The music is beautiful, the images dynamic, editing crisp and "invisible", and the story is one I had never heard (but should have). Wonderful!
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