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.
6 Reviews
Dancing is awesome but the battle scenes are so-so
AndreiPavlov11 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
Vyjanthimala's triumph
nadkarnisumeet10 March 2021
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.
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.
Very well made historical movie.
GuruMm7 September 2003
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.
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.
Great movie
kumarrajeshoutbox26 August 2018
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.
Intense and mesmerizing
suchenwi30 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
German DVD stores now often have a rack devoted to "Bollywood", though their offerings are mostly from the last two decades. To appreciate how mature Indian movies were some 40 years ago, it takes luck - I got Amrapali, together with 9 other Bollies old and new, on a single DVD produced in Russia, and with Russian voice-over. Still, it gave me enjoyment like rarely before.
Amrapali or Ambapali is a legendary woman (she became a disciple of Buddha, see Wikipedia) of around 500 BC. A time of many wars, it is made evident, with two being featured in more detail - the first, between the Reds and the Yellows, rather jollily, as 19th century painters may depict them, and ending in a celebrated victory. But this already has gripping scenes, like the baby boy and the little dog on the walkway, while soldiers storm the streets.
Most of the movie then covers the "peace time", Amrapali's career to high courtesan, which gives opportunities for many good song & dance numbers, the impressive statues sequences (which must have been of wax, given how easily one is cut in half), wheelings and dealing at the imperial court.
In the end, it's war again, this time much more menacing though blurred (many overlaid images), and culminating in Amrapali and her would-be lover walking over all the corpses on the battlefield. Strong. And stronger, the Buddhist ceremony in the very end.
I can't help but think that SRK's Asoka the Great (2001) borrowed some chips off this old block - perfectly OK. But Amrapali alone is a very worthwhile watch, offering abundant eye and ear candy, and good food for thought.
Amrapali or Ambapali is a legendary woman (she became a disciple of Buddha, see Wikipedia) of around 500 BC. A time of many wars, it is made evident, with two being featured in more detail - the first, between the Reds and the Yellows, rather jollily, as 19th century painters may depict them, and ending in a celebrated victory. But this already has gripping scenes, like the baby boy and the little dog on the walkway, while soldiers storm the streets.
Most of the movie then covers the "peace time", Amrapali's career to high courtesan, which gives opportunities for many good song & dance numbers, the impressive statues sequences (which must have been of wax, given how easily one is cut in half), wheelings and dealing at the imperial court.
In the end, it's war again, this time much more menacing though blurred (many overlaid images), and culminating in Amrapali and her would-be lover walking over all the corpses on the battlefield. Strong. And stronger, the Buddhist ceremony in the very end.
I can't help but think that SRK's Asoka the Great (2001) borrowed some chips off this old block - perfectly OK. But Amrapali alone is a very worthwhile watch, offering abundant eye and ear candy, and good food for thought.
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