Kangana Ranaut to co-direct Rani of Jhansi?

Kangana Ranaut won’t just co-script the historical tri-lingual epic Manikarnika (based on the life and battles of Rani of Jhansi), she will also co-direct the project with Telugu filmmaker Krish.

Says the source, “Rani Of Jhansi was earlier titled Rani Laxmibai and was to be directed by Ketan Mehta. He was to collaborate with Kangana over the project. They had many sittings over the last two years. Kangana was keen to contribute to the script and Ketan, who normally writes his own scripts, was willing to let her contribute.”

Apparently, Kangana’s ambitions grew larger as the project took shape.

“She wanted to co-direct with Ketan Mehta. That’s when he put his foot down,” says the source. Kangana reacted by taking the project to another producer.

Says the source, “Kangana has become increasingly collaborative in the making of her films. During Rangoon, she reportedly had constant arguments with director Vishal Bhardwaj. Rather than face a similar crisis of authority, Ketan opted out.”

It remains to be seen how much writer Vijayendra Prasad and director Krish allow Kangana Ranaut to contribute to Manikarnika.