Amrapali

Amrapali is a film often overlooked by movie lovers and critics alike.

The movie flopped on it's initial release but watching it today I can't understand why this happened. The film charts the story of the court dancer, Amrapali, devoted to the royal family of her district. She falls in love and begins an intense relationship with a soldier who saves her life. Unknown to Amrapali the soldier is the prince from a neighboring district who are locked in an on-going and bloody war with the royal family that Amrapali serves.

The film features a strong message on the futility of war. The movie delivers everything that an Indian film lover could ask for ... mind-blowing visuals, strong performances by all of the cast, a killer soundtrack and beautiful dances performed by Vyjanthimala. The movie is very difficult to find - but if you do track it down give it a viewing ... the last scene where Amrapali submits to Buddha in a touching sequence where she questions why men wage war on each other will stay with you for a long long time.

Amrapali review :

One of the most sensual films made in Hindi cinema; Amrapali is a 500 BC history told earnestly with some noteworthy war sequences and awe-inspiring dances. But the real trump card of the film is Vyjanthimala who not only gets in to the skin of the titular character (pun intended) but also delivers the best performance of her illustrious career. Its a pity the film failed commercially which disheartened her. Probably it was too bold for that era.

Sunil Dutt plays the ambitious to the point of being cruel emperor of Magadh - Ajathshatru - who attacks the neighbouring kingdom of Vaishali but surprisingly gets badly wounded in the battle. Mistaken for a Vaishali soldier, the royal courtesan Amrapali treats him to health and they fall in love. What happens when his real identity is revealed? Will Ajathshatru still satisfy his lust for Vaishali or will he choose his love for Amrapali? The films answers these questions.

Of the cast, Sunil Dutt was perfectly cast as the aggressive Ajathshatru. His introductory roar reminded me of Ranveer Singh's Allauddin Khilji in Padmaavat (2018). But it is Vyjanthimala who takes the movie to an altogether different level. Forget Ajathshatru, any person watching the film would fall in love with her. Thats the greatness of her performance.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

The movie was a flop at its initial release but you do not understand why, when you watch it today. The film features a strong message on the futility of war. The last scene where Amrapali submits to Buddha in a touching sequence where she questions why men wage war on each other, keep the subject truly related to present global situation. Then the movie delivers everything that an Indian film lover could ask for; mind-blowing visuals, strong performances by all of the cast, killer soundtrack and beautiful dances performed by Vaijayantimala. Not to forget two of the very melodious songs written by Shailendra, composed by Shankar Jaikishan & sung by Lata Mangeshkar; 1) Tadap Ye Din Raat Ki, 2) Tumhe Yaad Karte Karte.

Life of Amrapali beautifully told. Vaijyantimala looks like real Amrapali , mindblowing dances and great body language . Music is extraordinary and Lata Mangeshkar's songs are amazing. It was a great experience to watch this movie.