Manikarnika, which finally released on January 25 after several roadblocks, is the story of Rani Lakshmibai from Jhansi, one of the most prominent leaders in the first war of Indian independence in 1857. The film is co-directed by Kangana Ranaut and Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, the director of  Vidya Balan-starrer Telugu film N.T.R: Kathanayakudu.

In an interview with IANS, Ankita said, "As a director, she (Kangana) was fantastic. It was her debut as a director and she was directing a debutante. So, it was good." Ankita portrays the character of Jhalkaribai in the film, a warrior in Rani Lakshmibai's army.