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Released 70 years ago in September, Amar is a Bollywood film starring legendary actor Dilip Kumar. Despite featuring top actors and receiving praise for its artistic approach, the film struggled at the box office. While classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Devdas are celebrated, Amar remains relatively obscure due to its controversial storyline and negative audience reception.
Controversial Themes in “Amar”
Amar dealt with sensitive issues, which were considered too bold for its time. Though critics appreciated its daring narrative and direction, the storyline proved divisive. Audiences in 1950s India were not ready to accept Dilip Kumar playing a morally ambiguous character who commits acts that challenge societal norms. This backlash contributed to the film’s poor commercial performance.
Innovative Cinematography and Artistic Vision
One of Amar‘s biggest strengths was its stunning black-and-white cinematography, led by Faridoon Irani. The film was praised for its artistic direction, especially in portraying intense emotional conflicts. Director Mehboob Khan is credited with successfully balancing a heavy narrative with captivating visual storytelling. The film was also one of the first in Indian cinema to introduce a rap sequence—an innovative move for the time.
Strong Female Roles
The film featured powerful female characters played by Madhubala and Nimmi. Madhubala, one of Bollywood’s most popular actresses, played the role of an educated woman in conflict with societal expectations, while Nimmi portrayed a more traditional character. Director Mehboob Khan, known for his focus on strong women in films like Mother India, gave these characters depth, showcasing their moral strength against the challenges they faced.
Dilip Kumar’s First Negative Role
Amar marked a departure for Dilip Kumar, who had built his career on playing heroic roles. His portrayal of a morally conflicted lawyer who commits a grievous act was a risk. In his autobiography, Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, the actor discussed how his negative roles in films like Amar and Footpath did not resonate well with audiences. Unlike his role in Ganga Jamuna, where the character’s flaws were sympathetic, the character in Amar was not viewed favorably.
Mixed Audience Reception
Despite strong performances from the cast and its innovative approach, Amar grossed just 70 lakhs at the box office, far below expectations. Critics, including Naseeruddin Shah, praised the film for its depth and nuanced portrayal of internal conflicts, but audiences were not as receptive. The theme of inner moral conflict and the darker nature of the protagonist made the film difficult for many to appreciate.
Conclusion
Amar stands out as an ambitious project in the history of Bollywood, tackling complex moral issues at a time when such themes were rarely explored. Although it was not commercially successful, the film has gained recognition over the years for its artistic merit and bold storytelling. Its failure highlights the challenge of presenting controversial topics to audiences who may not be ready to accept them.
