Recently, there were reports that Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi is in trouble because workers and junior artistes of the film haven’t been paid their monetary dues. When Kangana Ranaut, who plays the titular role, was asked about it, she said, “I was in Bhopal shooting for Panga when I heard about this. Everyone has worked hard for the film, and if workers, technicians and artist payments are delayed, then it is completely unacceptable. The producers have assured me that the pending payments will be made formally under the guidance of Producers Guild Association.”
Having always been vocal about the prejudice that exists in the film industry, she said labourers are devalued here and actors are given all the importance. “I also want to venture into writing, direction and jobs which are for the unsung heroes and want to motivate the people for same. But when this injustice happens with labourers and technicians it can’t be tolerated,” she says adding that if she gets to know of any injustice done during this time, she will disassociate with it right away. This is the message she has given to the team too. “I won’t go for any promo launch and I won’t promote the film even if 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,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kamal Jain, who is producing the movie said, “Our shooting got over on October 13, and all legitimate and due payments were made long back. There’s one disputed vendor payment, which we are tackling in a professional way. He started arm-twisting us by misusing union power and politics which is absolutely illegal. We took a strong stance and complained to the Producers Guild against this vendor and allied union. The matter is being handled by the Guild and we will abide by their process. We respect each and every individual’s hard work and contribution to our film.”
