Amrapali (1966) Review: Lekh Tandon's biggest Magnus Opus even defeats Hollywood biggie Cleopatra at several aspects

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✨ 3.5/5*

Amrapali Review Movie Talkies:

I have watched both major versions of Cleopatra—the 1934 film starring Claudette Colbert and the grand 1963 spectacle featuring Elizabeth Taylor—and I can confidently say that Vyjayanthimala’s beauty here surpasses both. She doesn’t just look stunning; she embodies a timeless elegance that effortlessly raises the bar set by her Western counterparts.

The broad narrative parallels are interesting. Cleopatra tells the story of a queen attempting to save her nation by engaging with the enemy, who ultimately falls in love with her. Amrapali follows a similar emotional trajectory, with King Ajatshatru falling for the famed courtesan Amrapali, a woman deeply rooted in patriotism and moral conviction. Unlike a conventional romantic heroine, Amrapali chooses her land and principles over personal love.

Mandi (1983) Review: We Have So Many Films On Prostitution, But None Quite Match This Shyam Benegal Classic

Amrapali Story:

The story draws heavily from legend, so historical accuracy is understandably fluid. Certain ancient references even suggest that Ajatshatru’s father, Bimbisara, was once enamoured of Amrapali and that she bore him a son—a claim that completely disrupts the timeline and would make Amrapali Ajatshatru’s foster mother. Clearly, that’s where legend overtakes logic. Jokes aside, judged purely as cinema, Amrapali is a richly mounted epic.

Amrapali Movie Review:

Narratively, it arguably surpasses Cleopatra and even challenges Mughal-e-Azam in terms of thematic depth, though Mughal-e-Azam remains unmatched in sheer cinematic grandeur and finesse. Amrapali thrives on substance—love, betrayal, duty, sacrifice, and eventual salvation. The inclusion of Gautam Buddha in the final act works beautifully, steering the film away from a predictable tragic ending and offering a spiritually resonant closure.

Amrapali – All About Vyjayanthimala Show:

Vyjayanthimala is nothing short of extraordinary. Draped in heavy jewellery, exquisite costumes, and striking makeup, she looks mesmerising. The confident display of her grace, figure, and iconic dance movements is unforgettable. Has she ever looked this breathtaking in a saree—or has any other Bollywood actress? I genuinely doubt it. She delivers as a dancer, actor, and screen goddess, all within a single film.

Sunil Dutt is solid in his role, while the supporting cast does justice to the narrative. While Tandon’s vision may lack the polished elegance of Mughal-e-Azam, its emotional and thematic weight is impossible to ignore. Though it failed at the box office, Amrapali remains a super-hit viewing experience for lovers of classic Indian cinema.

Cocktail 2 Wrapped: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna & Kriti Sanon Finish Maddock's Sequel –

Stay tuned to Movie Talkies’ website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), along with our YouTube channel, for the latest updates, breaking news, box office reports, movie reviews, celebrity spotting, and interviews from Bollywood, television, OTT, Hollywood, and regional cinema, including South Indian films.