Black (2005)

The cathartic tale of a young woman who can't see, hear or talk and the teacher who brings a ray of light into her dark world.

Director:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Writers:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali (screenplay), Bhavani Iyer (English dialogue)

Stars:

Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Shernaz Patel

Top Rated Indian Movies #60 | 56 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Amitabh Bachchan	...	Debraj Sahai
Rani Mukerji	...	Michelle McNally
Shernaz Patel	...	Catherine 'Cathy' McNally
Ayesha Kapoor	...	Young Michelle McNally (as Ayesha Kapur)
Dhritiman Chatterjee	...	Paul McNally (as Dhritiman Chaterji)
Sillo Mahava	...	Mrs. Gomes (as Silloo Mahava)
Chippy Gangjee	...	Principal Fernandes (as Chippy Ganjee)
Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal	...	Ms. Nair
Salome	...	Martha (as Salomi Roy Kapoor)
Kenneth Desai	...	Dr. Mehta (as Kenny Desai)
Arif Shah	...	Marc Brugger
Bomie E. Dotiwala	...	Mr. Brugger (as Bomi Dotiwala)
Jeroo Shroff	...	Mrs. Brugger
Bomi Kapadia	...	Trustee 1
Kamal Adib	...	Trustee 2

Storyline

Based in Simla, the McNallys are an Anglo-Indian family consisting of Paul and his wife, Catherine. Both are full of joy when Catherine gives birth to a baby girl, Michelle, but their joy is short-lived when they are told that Michellle cannot see nor hear. Both attempt to bring up Michelle in their own protective way, as a result Michelle is not exposed to the real world, and becomes increasingly violent and volatile. Things only get worse when Catherine gives birth to Sara, and Paul considers admitting Michelle in an asylum. It is here that Debraj Sahai enters their lives. Through his eager involvement, Michelle blossoms, grows, gives up her violence, even gets admitted in school with normal children. The years pass by, Michelle does not succeed in getting her graduation, and it is time for Debraj to bid adieu as he is having his own health problems. 12 years later, at the age of 40, Michelle does succeed in graduating in Arts, and it is shortly thereafter she will be re-united with...

---

Plot Keywords:

deafblindness | deaf | mute | deaf blind | deaf mute | 

---

Taglines:

An unending darkness... A world of shadows... A ray of light that found its way... A teacher's dream... A student's miracle... A valiant journey... From ignorance to knowledge... From darkness to light... An extraordinary story of an ordinary life

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee studied the sign language for Seven months.

---

Quotes

Debraj Sahai: That after spending thirty years in this school, I'm just an unseen unheard entity. When I saw the school for the last time, my students were waving to me in the wrong direction.

---

Connections

Referenced in Koffee with Karan: Episode #2.1 (2007)

---

Soundtracks

The Colour Of Achievement
Composed by Monty Sharma
Courtesy of Yash Raj Music

User Reviews

I never comment on IMDb, but in this case, I'll make an exception

When the credits started rolling on this movie, my wife and I looked at each other and both spontaneously said "That was one of the best movies I have ever seen". Sure, it was inspired by "The Miracle Worker", with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, bit visually it knocks it for six.

Awesome awesome cinematography. Let me say that again. Awesome awesome cinematography. Nearly EVERY shot is a wonder!

Amitabh Bhachchan's acting is his best ever (at least for western audiences), and beats most recent performances from Hollywood.

I don't consider this film a remake, but even if you do, you still need to see it.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi English

Release Date:

4 February 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Întuneric

Filming Locations:

Afghan Church, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Box Office

Budget:

INR180,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$125,343, 6 February 2005

Gross USA:

$754,819

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,266,341

Company Credits

Production Co:

Applause Bhansali Productions, Applause Entertainment Ltd., SLB Films Pvt. Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1