They are sneak pics leaked from the sets of Manikarnika, regular on-site shots, but we have to confess we are pretty much bowled over by Kangana Ranaut’s look as the warrior queen. The actress has been shooting in Jaipur and is to be seen rehearsing dialogue as she prepares to shoot. The shots are candid yet Kangana’s air of queenly calm is unmistakable. A simple yet rich hand-woven white sari draped along her long, lithe form the traditional way… the hair parted simply down the middle and fixed in a bun at the nape of her neck… the big red bindi on her forehead and the green of the marital bangles on her pale wrists… And best of all, the expression on that exquisite fair face. Kangana Ranaut is a fitting Manikarnika.

This is a film that has greatly enthused Kangana, coming as it does at a time when she has faced considerable upheaval in her personal life. Drawn strongly to the character of the warrior queen of Jhansi, Kangana has admitted that while she has generally played flawed characters, she is blessed to be finally doing a truly ‘heroic’ and ‘extraordinary’ role as Rani Laxmibai.

In fact, she has called her titular role in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, the most exciting character of her career. Now that says a lot, coming from an actress who won accolades for her outings in Queen and Tanu Weds Manu.

She adds that her role in this Krish directorial, which has been written by the Baahubali writer K V Vijayendra Prasad, is “very superhero-like,” in its approach. Even as images of the grandeur and stylised action of Baahubali flash through the mind, she adds that action will be an important aspect of the film; though not its only USP. With director Krish keen to express her extraordinary power through riding – apparently, research reveals that Manikarnika was a spectacular rider, one of the best in the world – and do you blame us for drifting into yet another daydream involving a brave beautiful queen, riding like wildfire…