Exclusive: Kangana will contribute as actor only, says Manikarnika director Krish

Telugu filmmaker Krish (Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi) is no stranger to epic costume dramas. His last film, Gautamiputra Satakarni, was a lavish second century costume drama in Telugu.

His next, Manikarnika, will however be made in Hindi. Talking about his shooting plans, Krish says, “We are starting the shooting from the first week of July, and we hope to complete by year-end.” The film will be shot in actual locations where the Rani of Jhansi lived.

Says Krish, “We’re starting the first schedule in Madhya Pradesh. We then move to Rajasthan for another spell of shooting. A part of the film will also be shot at the Ramoji Rao studio. Some of the scenes have to be shot on sets, and they are now being built.”

There have been reports of Kangana also co-directing Manikarnika. The actress claims that this will be her last film as an actor, as she will turn director with her next. But Krish shoots down rumours of Kangana co-directing the project. “She will only be playing the lead role. That’s it.”

Regarding the film’s language, Krish says, “We’re making the film primarily in Hindi. It will then be dubbed in Telugu and Tamil.”

Krish also says he was unaware of the other project on Rani of Jhansi being produced by Swati Bhise, till he read about it. “I had to Google to get to know about it. Not that it makes any difference,” he shrugs.