Why Kangana Ranaut is going viral

It is not every day that Bollywood churns out a commercial film that everyone – audiences, critics and celebrities – loves. And 'Queen', featuring a stellar performance by Kangana Ranaut, ticks all the boxes, from the London Thumak Da dance moves to striking an emotional chord in every Indian woman.

Recently at the screening of the film, Deepika Padukone was so impressed with Kangana’s performance that she did an impromptu London Thumak Da step with the film’s director Vikas Bahl.

Sonakshi Sinha too posted a picture of the signature step on a social networking site with the message, “Just watched Queen. Kangana is phenomenal. Vikas what a film you’ve made. Congrats Phantom, and thank you for making such a film!!! Sona thumakdi after watching.”

Even Bollywood’s Mr Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, was bowled over by the film. He Tweeted: “What a film!!! Guys you have to watch QUEEN!!! Anyone who hasn’t seen it, please go now and see it. Such an important film for every girl, every woman to watch... and in fact every male to watch too! Thank you to Vikas Bahl and his team which made the film. And Kangana... you rock!!! Love. a.”

Director Vikas loves the fact that the London… step has become such a hit “The step has stuck a chord with the audiences. The best part is it’s very simple and any non-dancer can do it too. I must share this with you, the queen of my life, my wife, has been in love with this step. At any party she shakes a leg first and then the crowd follows,” Vikas laughs.

And it is a rage among Hyderabadis too. City student Rohan Pillai, in fact, teaches the step to everyone in college. He says, “Whenever any college festival comes up, we always dance to this tune and this awesome step. In fact, my entire group is  going gaga over it.”

Twelve-year-old Ananya Dayamma keeps dancing to the song when she comes back from school. She says, “I wish to meet Kangana one day and dance with her.” Tollywood actress Rakul Preet congratulated Kangana and wrote on a social networking site: #QUEEN what a film… Absolutely natural performances. Officially in love with Kangana Ranaut!! Brilliant direction… A must watch.”

And other than the song, the film’s storyline has also struck a chord with people. Arundhati De, daughter of Shobhaa De says, “I believe in the message in the film — why shouldn’t I make most of my life? When I came out of the movie hall I was energised, filled with positivism.”