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.
6.7Plot summary
His hunger for conquest not satiated, even after repeated victories, Samrat Ajaatshatru of Magadh would like to continue on his winning spree, as the only unconquered city is that of Vaishali. His astrologers forewarn him; his Senapati cautions him that his army is tired and needs to rest; his very own mother refuses to let take part in any war - but he refuses to listen to anyone and hastens to war - which leads to subsequent defeat at the hands of the Vaishali army. Wounded, lost, and on the run from enemy soldiers, Ajaatshatru dons the guise of a Vaishali soldier and takes shelter with a woman named Amrapali. When he recovers both find that they are in love with each other. Ajaatshatru finds an ally in Senapati Badbadhra Singh and both start to plot against Vaishali - this time by reducing the number of soldiers, making them addicted to alcohol, poor training methods, and poor pay - thus demoralizing them, and paving the way for an easy victory for Magadh. When the Samrat of Vaishali finds out that Amrapali, who is now the Raj Nartaki (Princely Courtesan) and has been having an affair with the Samrat of Magadh - he sentences her to prison in a dungeon for the rest of her life. Ajaatshatru is enraged at this, he gathers together his armies, and storms the unsuspecting Vaishalis and virtually burns the city down, killing almost everyone in it. This accomplished, he rushes to free his beloved from the dungeons. He does set her free - but it is not the same Amrapali - this Amrapali is quite different and not at all thrilled to be in the presence of her conqueror lover.
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Movie Reviews
Vyjanthimala's triumph
Dancing is awesome but the battle scenes are so-so
The movie is terrific. The story, the costumes, the landscapes, the architecture, the dancing, the dialogue, the singing, the actors' performances - everything is simply outstanding. Except the battle scenes. They are not very detailed (in most cases they are just presented as a half-visible background) and not stylish (the swords have flat and broad blades, which does not look impressive to my taste, and the fight choreography does not shine).
The punchline of the movie is quite clever and it even has a very close relation to our times: blood and killing cannot get justified even by true love. And if applied to our times: killing cannot be justified by any democratic values and high speeches. Will these two be happy again after that massacre, which takes place at the end of the movie? Well, even if they are, it will always be 'with one auspicious and one dropping eye.' A good film which truly deserves the "A"-class status. And as to dancing.... I'm ready to re-watch those sequences again and again. The choreography here is excellent.
7 out of 10, a very peculiar spectacle. Thank you for attention.
A movie; not to be missed
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.