#vyjanthimala

Genre: Historical

Director: Lekh Tandon

Cast: Vyjanthimala, Sunil Dutt

I've been wanting to watch this film for a really long time and I finally got the chance to do so on the pretext of doing a college assignment. I think it may low-key be my new favorite, hence I am starting my new blog by writing a review of this very film. Though I must add that I am absolutely obsessed with period films, especially those set in ancient India, so I was definately biased towards this one.

Synopsis

Magadh's King Ajaatshatru (Suniel Dutt), as indomitable as he is ambitious, disguises himself as a soldier belonging to his rival Kingdom- the small but illustrious Republic of Vaishali, in order to escape being identified and killed during war. A defeated and wounded Ajaatshatru stumbles upon Amrapali (Vyjanthimala)- a compassionate woman and a patriotic citizen of Vaishali who nurses him back to health. Soon, a romance starts to blossom amidst the two, but their relationship is bound to get jolted from it's false and deceitful foundation.

Plot/Writing & Execution

The story is based on actual historical figures. It has many of the cliché filmy elements we've seen in bollywood. I find this familiarity comforting. Afterall, there's a reason clichés are clichés.

Treating a mysterious soldier wounded in war and falling in love? Jaakakakakakja yes please.

That mysterious soldier being the king of your rival Kingdom? Pspspspssskkss gosh stop you're killing me.

The war sequence, I would say, is fairly good for the time. The overall cinematography is #aestheticcc .

The film was not successful upon it's release, and that's such a shame. It's epic.

Characters

Saying it out loud in case the title wasn't a big enough hint, Amprapali is the hero of the story. It's been a few months since I watched the film, and there isn't a lot I can recall about Ajaatshatru. Amrapali, on the other hand, steals the show in every frame. Vyjanthimala's graceful presence, her dancing skills and her beautiful dark eyes (and those brows!) are more than enough to keep one engrossed, in addition to how nicely the character of Amrapali has been written.

Costume

Bhanu Athiya, India's first Oscar winner designed the costumes for the film. While not always true to history (especially the men's costumes), the overall impact of the clothing is what would be desired for a period film. They are instrumental in transporting the viewers back in time.

Amprapali's wardrobe is sensual and majestic, with a couple of really gorgeous looks that stand out. Extensive use of ornaments that adorn her look very whimsical. Ajaatshatru's Kushan-inspired (?) wardrobe is highly inaccurate for 5/6th century BCE Magadha, but still works for his towering personality.

Music

The late Lata Mangeshkar sang all the songs in this film, so you know it's iconic. I thoroughly enjoyed the long dance routines. Vyjanthimala as Amrapali is a dream, and the music is enthralling. In particular, I love Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki for it's subtle, sensual and demure visuals and my personal favourite pearl-adorned pink outfit from the movie, and Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein for the iconic red outfit, mellow tune, and Vyjanthimala's graceful dance.

Watch it on

The Queens of Bollywood project! My collaboration with my sister @zahraahmadmakeup on Instagram. Recreations of beautiful vintage Bollywood actresses.