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 #37 | 37 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)
Kenny Desai	...	Dr. Mehta
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...

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Plot Keywords:

teacher | deaf | mute | deaf blind | deaf mute | 

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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

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

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:

INR 180,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

INR 68,064,805 (India), 6 February 2005, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$125,342, 6 February 2005, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$754,819, 31 December 2005

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,944,118

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The shooting of the movie ran into trouble in Scenic Hill Resort, with authorities refusing to allow shooting in the premises of a heritage building. Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) refused permission to shoot in the 120-year-old building as the arc lights could affect the vice regal lodge heritage structure. The building was home to British viceroys from 1886 until 1947, after which it became the summer home of the president of India and since 30 years houses the IIAS.

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Quotes

Debraj Sahai: Dear Ms. Nair, I have good news. You will be unhappy to know that the magician is at work.

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Connections

Referenced in Golmaal Returns (2008)

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Soundtracks

Michelle's Theme
Composed by Monty Sharma
Courtesy of Yash Raj Music

User Reviews

Nice work ....

I saw this movie in first week of its release itself and i liked movie too much ,much more than any Hindi movie till date but i didn't want to compare it with any other Hindi movie. SOme ppl are arguing that this movie is crap or similar words for it but i couldn't find any suitable explanation for saying the movie is not gud enough to be a part of one of the best movies ever. The concept,acting,direction and screenplay was superb. This is one of the few movies which got potential to bind u emotionally with the movie . THe best part was SLB tried something very diff and took huge risk by doing something which was never done before. No songs and very apt music which runs throughout the movie. I do agree that this movie certainly deserves an Oscar and i do agree that it was totally framed for it as the length of the movie, most of the dialogs in English,total British background, Cristian characters but i guess this can bring golden era to bollywood which is already contributing maximum no. of movies(even more than Hollywood) by providing some excellent works. Good work SLB