Amrapali (film)
Amrapali is a 1966 historical Hindi film directed by Lekh Tandon, starring Sunil Dutt and Vyjayanthimala as leads. The film's music was by Shankar–Jaikishan.
| Amrapali | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Lekh Tandon |
| Written by | Story & Screenplay: Omkar Sahib Dialogue: Arjun Dev Rashk Balbir Singh (Additional dialogue) |
| Produced by | F.C. Mehra |
| Starring | Sunil Dutt Vyjayanthimala Prem Nath |
| Cinematography | Dwarka Divecha |
| Edited by | Pran Mehra |
| Music by | Shankar–Jaikishan |
Production company | Eagle Films |
Release date | 11 September 1966 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
It was based on the life of Amrapali (Ambapali), the nagarvadhu (courtesan) of Vaishali in present-day Bihar, the capital of the Licchavi republic in ancient India around 500 BC, and Ajatashatru, the Haryanka emperor of the Magadha empire, who falls in love with her. Although he destroys Vaishali to get her, she has been transformed by her encounter with Gautama Buddha in the meantime, of whom she becomes a disciple and an Arahant. Her story is mentioned in old Pali texts and Buddhist traditions.
The film was selected as the Indian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 39th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee. Although the film was not a commercial success, its reputation has grown over time and it is now regarded as a classic of Hindi cinema. It is remembered for its dramatic war scenes, distinctive costumes by Bhanu Athaiya and strong anti-war sentiment.
Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment own the rights to the film.