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. (ALSO READ: Manoj Bajpayee thanks Kangana Ranaut for bringing up the topic of Nepotism, exposes the sad reality of award shows) Also Read - Baahubali director SS Rajamouli and family test negative for COVID-19; will remain hospitalised for plasma donation

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.” Also Read - Miheeka Bajaj or Prachi Tehlan, which bride’s look inspired you the most? – vote now

For those of you who don’t know, Manikarnika is a film on Jhansi Ki Rani and will helmed by Krish (of Gabbar Is Back fame). Earlier Ketan Mehta was supposed to direct the movie. However, according to a report in BollywoodHungama.com, he was kicked out by the actress. Coming back to the movie, the story has been penned by SS Rajamouli’s father, KV Vijayendra Prasad, who is also the writer of Baahubali. The film will revolve around the life of an ordinary girl, who finds herself in quite a few difficult situations. How she decides to fight her battle and discovers the warrior within herself forms the rest of the story. Also Read - Coronavirus pandemic: Director Teja of Chitram and Nijam fame tests positive for COVID-19

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