Producer: Applause Entertainment
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black has blacked out the rest of the so-called Hindi blockbusters. A film of such sensitivity, perfection and elegance has finally seen the light of the day in Indian cinema. 

His directorial debut Khamoshi - The Musical explored the world of deaf. This time again with all the experience gained over the years, the director has created Black, one of the most heart rendering emotional saga of the life of a deaf and blind woman. It delves into her goals, failures, triumphs, emotions, and her teacher. The flick echoes the life of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. But Bhansali has given a touch of his own to the whole drama.

This non-musical tells the story of an Anglo-Indian girl, Michelle McNally (portrayed as a child by Ayesha Kapoor and as a woman by Rani Mukherjee), who becomes deaf and blind after an illness at the age of eighteen months. Like any other child her age, she wants to play and be mischievous. Unable to express herself or to communicate, frustrations builds in her, leading to violent tantrums.

This super brilliant girl who is living in black silence feels subdued, as she finds no way to express herself and be heard. This is when Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan) enters her world.

This 48-year-old teacher of the deaf and blind is an eccentric who was asked to leave the school where he worked because of over consumption of alcohol and his failing eyesight. The principal who knew him well suggests Debraj to McNally's home where he meets Michelle. After some initial problems, Debraj takes up the challenge of leading the wild depressed child into the light of knowledge.

The story takes a turn when Debraj gets Alzheimer's attacks and he slowly forgets everything, including words and its connotation. What happens next? Will Michelle be able to bring him back to his sense and most importantly; will she be able to fulfill his dream of graduating in a black robe? All this makes the rest of the plot.

The film explores the beautiful relationship that the teacher and student share and how they meet with innumerable obstacles during the course of their journey and learn to tackle life's enormous challenges. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has given his best shot and sure deserve an applause.

Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan have given their career-best performances. Rani's body language in the flick is amazing. She has portrayed the character with utmost grace and dignity. The actress seems to have 'mastered' the art of sign language and conveying the unsaid emotion merely through her expressions.

Amitabh Bachchan is undoubtedly 'the best'. He has delivered the character of eccentricity well. Ayesha who has delivered an outstanding performance surely has a good future ahead. Michelle's younger sister, played by Nandana Sen makes her presence felt in her debut.

Though the film does not boast of any songs, one would not feel the lack of it. The cinematography is by Ravi Chandran and the sound is of international quality.

In a capsule, Black is one of the bests films which not only leaves the audience spellbound but craving for more. A vibrant cinema that defies 'black' out of every mind.

Stills - Black
Amitabh Bachchan - Profile, Wallpaper, Gallery
Rani Mukherjee - Wallpaper, Gallery, Profile