After Kangana lashing out Bollywood for not supporting Manikarnika many renowned actors have come out in support of the film. Recently in an interview, National Film Award and Padma Shri winner actress Vidya Balan praised highly for Manikarnika. "I have watched Manikarnika and I am blown away by the amount of hard work that's gone in because its there for everyone to see. And the war sequences are amongst the best ones I have ever seen in any Indian film."

Vidya Balan is known for pioneering a change in the concept of a Hindi film heroine with her portrayals of strong-willed women in films like Kahani, Tumhari Sulu, The Dirty Picture. She has won many accolades for her performance which includes the National Film Award, Filmfare and Screen Awards. She was awarded the Padma Shri by Indian Government.