At the music launch of Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, lyricist Prasoon Joshi passionately appealed to all to express their love for the nation in their own way. The film’s makers have now released the second song, titled, aptly, ‘Bharat’.
‘Bharat’ shows how patriotism, love for the motherland, is a quality that the princess inherits from her father, teachers and kinsman peshwa Bajirao II (Suresh Oberoi) at an early age.
For all the talent he possesses, however, ‘Bharat’ doesn’t quite come across as one of Prasoon Joshi’s best. The lyrics are simple, explaining why Bharat is so dear to Manikarnika. After all, she has to protect the nation’s honour.
However, as is well known, her husband, Jhansi ruler Gangadharrao Newalkar, had initially agreed to British suzerainty. It was only after their minor son was prevented from ascending the throne after the king’s death that Manikarnika revolted. So the concept of patriotism, the love for Bharat, in that era will always be up for debate.
Joshi’s lyrics are a little underwhelming, but the deep, passionate tone of Shankar Mahadevan lifts the track’s mood. Shankar shows there is no need to have a jingoistic tone and even the feeling of patriotism can be internalized. He, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa back up the song with a pleasant enough score.
Watch the ‘Bharat’ song below.
Manikarnika is set to be released on 25 January, along with the Bal Thackeray biopic. Click here to let us know if you would prefer to watch this film first or Thackeray.