BLACK -> Review

It is difficult to write a review for a movie which does not fit into the parameters of a typical hindi movie. And Black is more than just that. It is a kind of movie that has never been attempted before, although there has been an odd 'Koshish' and 'Khamoshi' before. But Black is extremely different. I daresay, it just might be the coming of age film for Hindi cinema. I wish it heralds an era where films are not made keeping in mind the lowest common denominator alone. One can argue that Black is abstract, the kind of art that an artist indulges in to please himself, but what the heck, It still is art.

Movies which are based on emotions and sensibilities work differently for different people. It worked for me but it may not work for someone else. Since it defies the conventional parameters of hindi cinema, it is difficult to make judgements on it. But what can be said surely is that Black, in terms of the techniques of cinema, is an outstanding film. Each frame is a piece of art, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has an uncanny eye for detail, even a novice can notice how every frame is picture perfect.

By now, almost everyone knows that Black is a story of a aurally and visually challenged girl and her eccentric teacher portrayed by Rani Mukherjee and Amitabh Bachchan. Loosely based on the real life story of Helen Keller - Anne Sullivan. (For the Doubting Thomas' who think that what Rani eventually achieves in Black is impossible, kindly see http://www.time.com/time/time100/

heroes/profile/keller01.html). A film like Black is completely dependent on performances. Good performances can make the film, not-so-good can break it. And fortunately for Black, In all the years that I've been watching hindi cinema, besides Sholay, this is the only film where each actor has performed brilliantly, Especially, Ayesha Kapur as the young inconvenienced girl. She is brilliant. I'll come to the lead actors later.

Bhansali is known for his visually opulent cinema. He created a riot of colours with resplendent sets and costumes for Devdas. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was magnificient with its picturesque locations. In contast, Black is generally in shades of greys, browns and whites (The only time I can remember Red colour in the entire movie is when Rani Mukherjee wears it just before a touching sequence where she longs for male companionship). But still, Black is a visual treat. The sets, lighting and camerawork are magnificient to say the least. Truly, truly impressive. Background score too deserves a special mention.

I can go on and on about the technique but that would make this review painfully long but Black is THE movie to be seen if you consider cinema to be an art. I'd mention one particular scene where Rani's mother and Amitabh Bachachan are involved in a sentimental discussion standing at a door, if you can notice what is special, you'll consider Black a masterpiece.

Bhansali is known for his preference for over-the-top dialogue deliveries and exaggerated expressions. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in HDDCS and everyone in Devdas was almost nautanki style. To start with Amitabh Bachchan too fell for the bait, his performance in initial reels is slightly exaggerated but once he settles in, he is delightful to watch. Perhaps in his most challenging role after Agneepath, Amitabh has delivered an amazing performance. Give the man a stage and he'll beat everyone hollow. No doubt in my mind, that despite all his ads, he'll regain the respect of all his ardent fans after Black. One particuar sequence where he is talking to the principal of Rani's college and has a bout of amnesia is very very good. Bravo Big B, we want more from you!!!

As for Rani Mukherjee, it is difficult to think of any other modern actress who could have played the role of Michelle McNally, she too has given a splendid performance but her walk has distinctive Bhansali over-the-top touch to it.

All in all, I would recommend Black but I'll nevertheless add that about 50 people walked off mid-show at WAVE,NOIDA during the Movie. If you are looking for some light-weight typical time pass hindi film, stay away from Black, but if you want to watch something really different, don't miss it for anything.
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P.S. I was reading Nikhat Kazmi's review in TOI. She said it was level 3 for hindi cinema after Satya breached level 2. Accepted. She said Black was Oscar Material. Just a request to everyone who reads this, Let us stop weighing the worth of our art in the yardsticks of the west. If Black gets an Oscar, It won't be a surprise. But even if it doesn't, it won't take anything away from it, it will still remain the most astonishing product of the Mumbai film industry till date.